Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has stated that the decision to involve private players in the power sector will be taken by the state cabinet, not by him alone. Addressing employees of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), he emphasized the need for a collective decision on the matter.
CM Defers Decision to Cabinet
Speaking at an event in Bengaluru on Monday, Shivakumar said, "I alone cannot make a decision on this. It is important to bring it before the Cabinet." The statement comes amid growing speculation about the state government's plans to allow private participation in the power sector, which has faced opposition from employee unions and some political quarters.
Background of the Issue
The Karnataka government has been exploring options to involve private players in power distribution and transmission to improve efficiency and reduce losses. However, KPTCL employees have expressed concerns over job security and the potential impact on public control over the sector. The Chief Minister's remarks indicate that the government will follow a consultative process before finalizing any policy changes.
Impact on KPTCL Employees
During his address, Shivakumar assured employees that their interests would be protected. He highlighted the importance of KPTCL in the state's power infrastructure and said any decision would be taken after thorough deliberation. The CM's comments are seen as an attempt to ease tensions among the workforce, which has been vocal against privatization.
Next Steps
The matter is expected to be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded a white paper on the state's power sector performance before any decision on private participation is made. The government has not yet announced a timeline for the cabinet discussion.
