Haveri: The Karnataka government will complete the recruitment process for 3,000 vacant lineman positions by April, said Energy Minister KJ George.Speaking at a progress review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat hall on Monday, George said that to address power supply issues for agricultural pump sets, the state government is prioritizing the KUSUM-B scheme. The scheme provides solar-powered pump sets to farmers. Under the scheme, the Karnataka government has increased its subsidy to 50 percent, while the Central government provides 30 percent, allowing farmers to avail the solar pump sets by paying only 20 percent of the cost. George described the initiative as a major benefit for farmers.“Since the Congress government came to power, around 2.5 lakh unauthorized agricultural pump sets have been regularized with essential infrastructure. The process of regularizing remaining pump sets is underway, and a decision on new unauthorized applications will be taken in due course, he added.He acknowledged last year’s severe drought, which led to a temporary power shortage. However, he emphasized that the state managed to supply adequate electricity for 11 months, with only a brief period of disruption.”The power demand for the current year stands at 19,000 MW, and electricity is being procured from various states and the central government to ensure an adequate supply. The Energy Department is fully prepared to meet consumer needs, and there is no power shortage in the state,” the minister clarified.During the meeting, Haveri MLA and Assembly Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani requested the establishment of a 110 kV power station in Negalur. Minister George responded positively, directing officials to submit a proposal within two days.Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane raised concerns over transformer burnouts due to high voltage and urged for their upgradation and timely replacement. Similarly, Hirekerur MLA UB Banakar requested an uninterrupted seven-hour daytime power supply for agricultural pump sets and the replacement of aging power lines in certain areas.Speaking to reporters after the meeting George said that various government offices, village panchayats, and municipalities in the state have an outstanding electricity bill of Rs. 6,000 crore. He further mentioned that discussions have been held with the respective department ministers regarding the payment.
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