Karnataka Energy Minister K J George on Tuesday stated that the state government is not in favour of privatising power supply. Speaking to media persons, he said the BJP-led central government had introduced a law for privatisation of the power sector in 2003.
Minister's statement on privatisation
George emphasised that the state government believes in maintaining public control over power distribution to ensure affordable and reliable electricity for all citizens. He did not specify any alternative plans but reiterated the government's commitment to public sector involvement.
Background of the 2003 law
The Electricity Act of 2003, enacted by the central government, allowed for private participation in power generation, transmission, and distribution. However, states have the discretion to decide on implementation. Karnataka has chosen not to follow this path for distribution.
The minister's comments come amid ongoing debates about efficiency and investment in the power sector. According to industry experts, privatisation could lead to better service but might also increase tariffs. The Karnataka government has prioritised keeping power affordable, especially for farmers and low-income households.
