Consumers have to be ultimate focus

BANGALORE:  The objectors alleged that BESCOM was involved in red tapism and lavish spending for public events and requested KERC not to accept BESCOM’s proposed tariff hike.Anil Kumar, Ward 68, pointed out a few instances in which BESCOM had contributed money to events like the Global Investors Meet for which they spent around `4.8 lakh for laser shows. “Why did a public utilities company fund government events?” he questioned. Y G Muralidharan summed up the session stating that consumer needs and interests have to be strengthened. “Consumers have to be the ultimate focus of the commission,” he said.Sreenivasa Murthy, Chairman, KERC observed that the funds earmarked for customer relations is not being utilised properly and directed BESCOM to meet the representatives of the customers through RWA’s and Panchayats.  “Budget has been provided to meet the needs of common man. It is less expensive to talk to people than conducting raids,” he said. BESCOM MD, P Manivannan, while accepting a need to improve service matters, announced plans to organise monthly Public Participatory Committees in coordination with Janaagraha. The company will also undertake customer relations training programmes for all BESCOM staff .Commenting on the standard of workmen, he accepted that wages being offered were low and stated BESCOM’s intentions of changing their procurement policy with the recommendations of a committee which would be represented by people outside BESCOM.