Latest news with #Sivashankar
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Karnataka: BESCOM makes smart meters mandatory for new, temporary connections in rural areas from July 1
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 28 (ANI): Starting from July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has made it mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction to have smart meter installations, as mandated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). According to an official statement from the company, smart meter deployment in the urban areas of BESCOM's jurisdiction, including Bengaluru city, commenced on February 15, 2025. With this latest directive, the initiative is now being extended to BESCOM's rural regions also. Applicants for new or temporary electricity connections can purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets and proceed with connection formalities, according to the statement. 'KERC had issued guidelines on smart meter implementation on March 6, 2024, and installations have since been carried out in phases,' the release added. Smart meters, which differ from traditional models, are equipped with a GPRS/RF-based communication system for data collection and offer server and cloud connectivity. They utilise Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which enables direct communication between consumers and BESCOM by gathering electricity usage data. Users can monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor through a mobile app and access recharge options. The release stated that people can make advance payments and recharge for their desired duration, allowing them to use electricity as needed. During a power outage, electricity can be restored immediately upon payment of the bill. BESCOM is also set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, as announced by N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM, in May. The MD was addressing a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, or the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. (ANI)
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
BESCOM to launch digital portal for consumer grievance management
Bengaluru (Karanataka) [India], May 14 (ANI): Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) is set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, announced N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM. He made this announcement while addressing a workshop earlier this week, organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, for the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' he emphasised. Inaugurating the workshop, KERC Chairman and retired Chief Secretary to the Government, P. Ravikumar, stressed the importance of delivering impartial and timely justice to consumers. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' he said. Highlighting the legal framework, KERC Legal Department Member and retired District Sessions Judge HK Jagadish noted, 'Sections 42(5) and 42(6) of the Electricity Act, 2003 mandate provisions for consumer grievance redressal. The CGRF and KERC, the Electricity Ombudsman, function as quasi-judicial bodies, as recognised by the Supreme Court and High Courts.' During the workshop, KERC Technical Director Srinivasappa and retired judges Krishnaiah and IF Bidari briefed officials on technical issues and common challenges faced in consumer complaint resolution. The event was also attended by KERC Secretary Siddeshwar, BESCOM Technical Director HJ Ramesh, Finance Director Mahadeva, GM of Administration and Human Resources Dr. Dayanand, GM of Consumer Relations Rajoji Rao, and Pushpa SA, Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs. (ANI)
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bescom to set up digital portal for consumer grievance redressal
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) will shortly launch a digital portal for consumer grievance redressal management. This was revealed by Bescom Managing Director N. Sivashankar at a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and Bescom for the office-bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) on May 13. The setting up of this portal is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the process of consumer grievance redressal. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' he said. Upon the directions of the chairman of KERC, Bescom has constituted CGRFs at the district level comprising a Superintendent Engineer, Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' Mr. Sivashankar added. Earlier this year, in the draft KERC (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and Ombudsman) (Third Amendment) Regulations 2025, KERC had recommended that all escoms set up CGRFs in their corporate offices for efficient grievance redressal. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' P. Ravikumar, Chairman, KERC, said.
BBC News
05-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Poole care homes employs new workers from outside Europe
Mohan Sivashankar left behind his home in India and a job in mechanical engineering for a life in the UK three years moving to Poole, Dorset, his career has taken a different path - he now works as a healthcare assistant at Eagles Mount Care is among a new wave of migrants from outside Europe that have come to the UK in increasing numbers since the coronavirus employer, Luxurycare, said problems with staff recruitment after Brexit had been eased thanks to sponsorship visas. They allow the company to apply for visas for international applicants. Mr Sivashankar said the UK had a lot of opportunities for foreigners."We do feel coming here is a safe place compared to other countries, a safe place and good pay, so that's the reason we move here," he care home staff in Dorset has been tough for Luxurycare in recent years, after Brexit ended freedom of said a combination of EU citizens returning to their native country, competing employers and demands from the NHS saw the pool of workers Mount Care Home used to have 20 staff from the EU, but that number has now its 71 members of staff, 18 are English and 53 are non-English, with workers from India, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. Managing director Samantha Hoskins said they had been recruiting these workers using sponsorship visas."It wasn't a conscious decision by us to no longer employ European staff," she said."I think the fact that people couldn't come and go as they were able to had a direct impact on the care industry, so we weren't getting as many people applying from European countries."Luxurycare runs six care homes across Poole and Bournemouth, employing 490 members of its workforce, 148 are English and 342 are classed as "overseas".Some staff are overseas-born but have indefinite leave to remain through family connections, such as a spouse, while others may be employed through sponsorship or hold different types of visas. Charity Lawrence moved to Poole from Nigeria under a sponsorship visa and said the process was quite easy."They offered me a visa and I made my application and here I am," she said."They have helped me enhance my English speaking level, they offer me extra courses outside care, it's a lot of value to me."A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the NHS had always drawn on talent from around the world."This government is also committed to developing our own homegrown talent and giving opportunities to more people across the country to join our NHS, by training thousands more doctors and nurses," it added. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
