KCCI urges Karnataka CM to withdraw proposed power tariff hike

News Network

January 8, 2021

Mangaluru, Jan 8: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa to withdraw the proposed hike in electricity tariff by Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM).

In a letter to the Chief Minister, KCCI President Isaac Vas said MESCOM's decision to hike power tariff by Rupee One per unit was 'shocking',the move will badly affect the consumers of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga districts.

He said that the increase will be a blow to the MSME sector, the second-largest employment generator after agriculture and acts as a breeding ground for entrepreneurs and innovators with considerable support in strengthening business ecosystems.

He said that in Dakshina Kannada alone, over one lakh people are employed in this sector, while the large industries employ less than 10,000 people. The countrywide lockdown dragged MSME owners, employees and other stakeholders to unexpected repulsions.

After the lockdown, MSMEs face challenges relating to debt repayments, wages and salaries, and statutory dues. The MSME sector will completely collapse if the tariff hike is implemented, he said.

The KCCI requested that MESCOM reduce its distribution losses and overheads instead of putting an additional burden on the consumers.

MSMEs are struggling to revive operations after the pandemic and the severe slowdown in the economy, he added.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Stranded, hungry, and helpless: Last-minute cancellation of Dammam flight sparks chaos at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.

Comments