Bengaluru: After milk and diesel price hikes, Shivakumar hints at water tariff increase
Bengaluru’s water tariff is set to increase by one paisa per litre, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Wednesday. Defending the Congress government amid the BJP’s protests over rising costs, he accused the opposition party of being «anti-farmer» for opposing the milk price hike, which he said was meant to help farmers.
The BJP launched a statewide 'day and night' protest on Wednesday, accusing the Congress government of burdening the public with price hikes. The party highlighted increased milk and diesel prices, higher power tariffs, and rising bus and metro fares as key concerns.
Government’s Justification
Shivakumar responded by saying that Karnataka's price increases are lower than in other states. «Even with the water tariff, we have no other choice. We have to increase it by one paisa or half a paisa per litre; we can't raise it more. I have instructed that the tariff be reduced for the poor. I have asked the board (BWSSB) to decide. We will not hike rates for small houses,» he said.
He also noted that the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has incurred losses of Rs 1,000 crore. «For the next phase of funding, we need to demonstrate to JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other financial institutions that we are not running a charity; otherwise, they won't grant us loans,» he added.
Clarification on User Fee for Solid Waste Management
Shivakumar addressed concerns about the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) imposing a user fee for solid waste management. «This is in line with instructions issued by the central government to the entire country. The previous BJP government implemented it in 2022 at a very high rate. In fact, I have reduced it. I have asked
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