<p>Haveri: Karnataka Energy Minister K J George on Monday announced plans to recruit 3,000 linemen by the end of April to address the state's worker shortage.</p><p>This initiative aims to strengthen the workforce and ensure a more reliable electricity supply across Karnataka, he said, adding that the recruitment process for 3,000 linemen will be expedited and completed by April 2025.</p>.Recruitment of 2,200 linemen across Karnataka soon: Minister K J George.<p>During an energy department review meeting held today, George emphasised the critical role of linemen in maintaining a stable electricity supply.</p><p>"Due to the severe drought last year, the state faced an electricity shortage, but the issue lasted only a month. For the remaining 11 months, electricity was supplied as required. This year, the electricity demand is expected to reach around 19,000 megawatts," George said.</p><p>The department is prepared to purchase additional power if demand increases during the summer to prevent shortages, he added.</p><p>George emphasised that the government values public input and is open to suggestions for resolving issues.</p><p>To ensure better coordination, HESCOM (Hubballi Electricity Supply Company Limited) officials are encouraged to maintain regular communication with local representatives, he said.</p><p>According to George, this approach ensures that public concerns are effectively addressed and brought to the attention of the HESCOM Managing Director.</p><p>To address electricity issues related to agricultural pump sets, the government is prioritising the Kusum-B scheme, which provides solar-powered pump sets to farmers.</p><p>"The state government has increased its subsidy share to 50 per cent, while the central government offers a 30 per cent subsidy. Farmers only need to pay 20 per cent of the cost to receive a solar pump set. This scheme will significantly benefit them," he said in a statement issued by his office.</p><p>The minister further stated that since the Congress government came to power in Karnataka, 2.5 lakh illegal agricultural pump sets have been regularised and provided with solar power.</p><p>"The process of regularising the remaining illegal pump sets is ongoing. A decision on newly received applications for illegal connections and regularisation will be made later," George added.</p><p>During the meeting, Haveri MLA Rudrappa Lamani requested the minister to set up a 110 kV capacity station in Negalur. In response, George instructed officials to submit a proposal within two days.</p><p>Additionally, George stressed the importance of obtaining a report on illegal electricity connections used by sugar mills and taking appropriate action, the statement added.</p>
<p>Haveri: Karnataka Energy Minister K J George on Monday announced plans to recruit 3,000 linemen by the end of April to address the state's worker shortage.</p><p>This initiative aims to strengthen the workforce and ensure a more reliable electricity supply across Karnataka, he said, adding that the recruitment process for 3,000 linemen will be expedited and completed by April 2025.</p>.Recruitment of 2,200 linemen across Karnataka soon: Minister K J George.<p>During an energy department review meeting held today, George emphasised the critical role of linemen in maintaining a stable electricity supply.</p><p>"Due to the severe drought last year, the state faced an electricity shortage, but the issue lasted only a month. For the remaining 11 months, electricity was supplied as required. This year, the electricity demand is expected to reach around 19,000 megawatts," George said.</p><p>The department is prepared to purchase additional power if demand increases during the summer to prevent shortages, he added.</p><p>George emphasised that the government values public input and is open to suggestions for resolving issues.</p><p>To ensure better coordination, HESCOM (Hubballi Electricity Supply Company Limited) officials are encouraged to maintain regular communication with local representatives, he said.</p><p>According to George, this approach ensures that public concerns are effectively addressed and brought to the attention of the HESCOM Managing Director.</p><p>To address electricity issues related to agricultural pump sets, the government is prioritising the Kusum-B scheme, which provides solar-powered pump sets to farmers.</p><p>"The state government has increased its subsidy share to 50 per cent, while the central government offers a 30 per cent subsidy. Farmers only need to pay 20 per cent of the cost to receive a solar pump set. This scheme will significantly benefit them," he said in a statement issued by his office.</p><p>The minister further stated that since the Congress government came to power in Karnataka, 2.5 lakh illegal agricultural pump sets have been regularised and provided with solar power.</p><p>"The process of regularising the remaining illegal pump sets is ongoing. A decision on newly received applications for illegal connections and regularisation will be made later," George added.</p><p>During the meeting, Haveri MLA Rudrappa Lamani requested the minister to set up a 110 kV capacity station in Negalur. In response, George instructed officials to submit a proposal within two days.</p><p>Additionally, George stressed the importance of obtaining a report on illegal electricity connections used by sugar mills and taking appropriate action, the statement added.</p>