FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'violating' HC order
Kolkata Police have registered a suo motu FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) organisers. The FIR alleges violation of Calcutta High Court conditions for a TMCP foundation day event, including breaching barricades, jostling with police, and disrupting traffic. The court had set conditions for attendance and maintaining law and order.
Mamata Banerjee booked: FIR filed over TMCP event in Kolkata
Kolkata Police have registered an FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and organisers of the TMCP foundation day programme, alleging violations of conditions imposed by the Calcutta High Court. The case has sparked a fresh political controversy in the state.
Will send team to Nepal if MEA gives permission: West Bengal CM
The State Government manages to contact two of the 39 people from West Bengal missing in Nepal flash floods
Bengal: GRSE gets orders for two more hybrid ferries, Bailey Bridges
Kolkata, Aug 29 (IANS) The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (WBTDCL) placed an order with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd for the construction of two more hybrid dieselelectric ferries and two Bailey bridges on Saturday. GRSE is already building 13 hybrid ferries for the West Bengal government, which will replace the old, []
Mamata Banerjee Faces FIR After TMCP Rally Sparks Clash Over High Court Order
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been charged in an FIR after her party's Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) was accused of not following the Calcutta High Court's orders for its foundation day rally in Kolkata. The FIR was
Durga Puja is West Bengals Identity, No Guidance Needed from BJP: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Kolkata, August 29: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury shared his views with reporters on various issues on Saturday. He emphasized that Durga Puja is integral to West Bengals identity, and there can be no compromise on this matter. He noted that while the ritual involves animal sacrifice, it is unfortunate that the BJP is attempting ... Read more Durga Puja is West Bengals Identity, No Guidance Needed from BJP: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Nepal floods: 28 Andhra pilgrims return safely after completing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Twenty-eight Andhra Pradesh pilgrims safely returned from Nepal after a flash flood incident. Their journey was delayed by visa issues, which indirectly helped them avoid the worst. A sudden surge of water caused vehicles to be swept away and a bridge to collapse. Some pilgrims were stranded, while two buses from West Bengal remain missing. Indian officials and the travel agency provided assistance throughout the perilous situation.
After CM Adhikaris instruction, Kolkata Police register suo motu FIR against Mamata Banerjee Kolkata: Following the instruction from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari earlier in the day, the Kolkata Police on Saturday registered a suo motu FIR against former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over violation of a Calcutta High Court order at the foundation [] The post After CM Adhikaris instruction, Kolkata Police register suo motu FIR against Mamata Banerjee appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Assam Tea Industry Faces Crisis As Auction Prices Plunge 15% Amid Floods
Guwahati, Aug 29: The tea industry in Assam and West Bengal is facing a severe crisis as auction prices have plunged sharply over the past two months, compounded by floods, extreme heat, and pest infestations that have disrupted production. The Tea Association of India (TAI) reported that average auction prices at North Indias three major... The post Assam Tea Industry Faces Crisis As Auction Prices Plunge 15% Amid Floods first appeared on Northeast Today .
Kolkata: The Kolkata Police on Saturday, August 29, registered a suo motu FIR against former West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee for alleged violation of Calcutta High Court-imposed conditions for holding a TMCP foundation day event. The FIR was filed at the Hastings Police Station against Banerjee as well as the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Odisha Braces for Five Days of Heavy Rain, IMD Issues Alert
A low-pressure area formed over the northwestern Bay of Bengal adjoining the West Bengalnorth Odisha coast early Saturday morning, leading to a five-day heavy to very heavy rainfall warning across the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system developed around 5:30 a.m. under the influence of an active cyclonic circulation. Rainfall intensity [] The post Odisha Braces for Five Days of Heavy Rain, IMD Issues Alert appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
FIR against Mamata Banerjee over violation of Calcutta HC order
The Kolkata Police have registered a case against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over violation of Calcutta High Court order at a Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day event held on Friday, August 28. The FIR was filed at the Hastings Police Station against Banerjee as well as the organisers of the meeting of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), an officer said.
VHP Clarifies No Guidelines for Durga Puja in West Bengal
New Delhi, August 29: Alok Kumar, the president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), has announced that no guidelines have been issued for Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal. He emphasized that the VHP does not possess the authority to issue any directives or guidelines. In a statement to a news agency, Kumar said, We ... Read more VHP Clarifies No Guidelines for Durga Puja in West Bengal
ONGCs First Commercial Hydrocarbon Discovery Nears Production Stage in Bengal Basin
New Delhi, August 29: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri announced that ONGCs first commercial hydrocarbon discovery in the Ashoknagar area of West Bengal has reached a significant milestone towards production and commercialization. He described this achievement as a major step in strengthening Indias energy security and increasing domestic oil and ... Read more ONGCs First Commercial Hydrocarbon Discovery Nears Production Stage in Bengal Basin
Nepal flood crisis: 37 from West Bengal missing, state team to head to Kathmandu
Shiv Sena Spokesperson Criticizes Mamata Banerjees Lack of Vision
Mumbai, August 29: Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC has launched a scathing attack on TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She claimed that Banerjee lacks both ideology and a vision plan. In response to Banerjees allegations of vote theft, Shaina NC stated, Mamata Banerjee should focus on her voters instead of making ... Read more Shiv Sena Spokesperson Criticizes Mamata Banerjees Lack of Vision
IMD forecasts widespread rain across India as monsoon remains active
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across central, eastern, northeastern, western and southern India, with heavy showers likely in parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgar
Student Union Polls To Be Held Soon Across West Bengal: Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said student union elections would soon be held across colleges and universities in the state, amid demands from the opposition and other quarters for conducting the polls.
Mamata Banerjee Claims BJPs Misdeeds Will Aid TMCs Return in Bengal
Kolkata, August 29: Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated on Friday that the current misdeeds of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal will facilitate the Trinamool Congresss (TMC) return to power in the state. Banerjee made these remarks during a gathering at the foundation day celebration of the TMCs student wing, the ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Claims BJPs Misdeeds Will Aid TMCs Return in Bengal
West Bengal Government Unveils New Transfer Allowance Formula for Employees
Kolkata, August 29: The West Bengal government has announced a new transfer allowance formula for government employees relocating within the state. This announcement was made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari via a statement on social media. The new transfer allowance formula, which replaces the decades-old system, is designed to provide comprehensive transfer and packing grants ... Read more West Bengal Government Unveils New Transfer Allowance Formula for Employees
West Bengal CM flays Azadi slogans at Jadavpur
Suvendu Adhikari visited Jadavpur for a public recital of national song Vande Mataram, which saw thousands of people joining the Chief Minister
Every call sparks hope, every alert triggers dread for kin
ONGC starts commercial crude production at Ashoknagar field, sends 1,200L to refinery
Tour firm office becomes epicentre of worries as families turn up for news
Setback? Three of four Kol travel agency team members return after no headway in search ops
37 from Bengal yet to be traced, 2 rescued tourists to return today: CM
Two Tourists Found Amid 39 Missing in Nepal Floods, Search Continues
Kolkata, August 29: Amid the devastating floods in Nepal, contact has been established with two of the 39 tourists from West Bengal who went missing. However, 37 individuals remain unaccounted for. This information was shared by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday night. The Chief Minister indicated that the two tourists who have ... Read more Two Tourists Found Amid 39 Missing in Nepal Floods, Search Continues
Suvendu Adhikari slams 'Azadi' slogans at JU, says time to end threat culture
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed concerns at Jadavpur University. He condemned slogans and writings on campus walls, questioning their purpose. Adhikari organized a national song ceremony to promote patriotism in the area. He highlighted historical sacrifices made for India's independence.
Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O'Brien Among Those Named in Camac Street Clash FIRs, 13 arrested
Youth on Pocso bail intimidates survivor, arrested
Fake priest dupes woman of Rs 3 lakh, gold over 3 years
Calcutta High Court allows urgent plea for SIR protest
RG Kar case: Calcutta High Court sets 3-week deadline for CBI
Mamata Banerjee Accused of Stifling Student Politics by Ritabrata Banerjee
Kolkata, August 28: Ritabrata Banerjee, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has accused former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of dismantling student politics. He has also called for the current government, led by Suvendu Adhikari, to conduct student union elections. Ritabrata Banerjee pointed out that Mamata Banerjee was once a leader of ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Accused of Stifling Student Politics by Ritabrata Banerjee
Salt Lake blocks go without water, residents forced to hire tankers
JEE decision against law of natural justice: Universities, students & parents
Man found dead on bus at Babughat terminus
Low Pressure Over Bay To Bring More Rain Till Sun: Met
No End To Fear & Worry: Nepalese In Kolkata Wait For Calls From Homeland
West Bengal to send rescue team as 37 remain missing in Nepal floods
The News Mill
Home, job arranged for Free School Street pavement dweller, says Agnimitra
West Bengal CM ties rakhis to Army personnel and NCC cadets
The News Mill
West Bengal CM Blames Communists and TMC for Anti-National Sentiment at Jadavpur University
Kolkata, August 28: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on Friday that both the Communists and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have fostered anti-national sentiment at Jadavpur University (JU), which is regarded as a center of excellence. He remarked, Initially, the Communists ruled West Bengal for 34 years, creating an environment against nationalist programs on ... Read more West Bengal CM Blames Communists and TMC for Anti-National Sentiment at Jadavpur University
Kol docs remove seed lodged in Andamans womans airway
Will hit the streets against BJPs eggs and bricks, Mamata tells TMCP rally
Kolkata home registrations rebound 50% in July after election-led slowdown
Kolkata office stock grows 6% to 24.4 mn sq ft in H1 2026
KMDA to ready SOP for yr-round Sarobar maintenance
Imphal alibi: HC dismisses case against jawan
First Communists and then Trinamool created anti-national mindset in JU: Bengal CM Adhikari
Kolkata, Aug 28 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said that first the Communists and then Trinamool Congress created an anti-national mindset within Jadavpur University, which is supposed to be a centre of excellence. First, the Communists who ruled West Bengal for 34 years created a mindset against conducting nationalistic rituals within []
BJP excesses will ensure Trinamool
Kolkata, Aug 28 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday afternoon said that the excesses of the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state government would help the Trinamool Congress return to power in the state in the coming days. Do not work. The ordinary BJP supporters will teach their own party leadership []
Gajoldoba to Salt Lake, Bengal lines up 17 acres for hospitality investments
Painful to hear Azadi slogans in Kol: CM at Vande event outside JU
ANHVL is looking to operationalise a 120-bed woman and child care facility in West Bengals Howrah district by April, 2029 with an outlay of around Rs 150 crore
Calcutta High Court Refuses Interim Relief To TMC In Camac Street Billboard Removal
BJP used EC to 'hijack' elections, SIR to 'loot votes': TMC chief Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata High Court Denies Interim Order in Trinamool Billboard Controversy
Kolkata, August 28: The Kolkata High Courts single-judge special bench has refused to issue an interim order regarding a petition filed by a faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This petition pertains to the removal of an illegal billboard from the rooftop of the office of ... Read more Kolkata High Court Denies Interim Order in Trinamool Billboard Controversy
Water supply cut: Minority-majority Kolkata colony alleges bias
Kolkata: Several hundred families in a minority-majority colony in West Bengals Kolkata have been living without water for nearly a month, with residents alleging links to Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ritesh Tiwari, who said he would not work for minorities. Located in Ward 6 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Jyotinagar Colony falls under the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
West Bengal CM to Attend Raksha Bandhan Event at Jadavpur University Amid Heightened Security
Kolkata, August 28: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will participate in a Raksha Bandhan event at Jadavpur University (JU) in South Kolkata on Friday. In anticipation of his visit, Kolkata police have issued a high alert and tightened security measures. This decision follows recent clashes between student groups affiliated with the Students Federation of ... Read more West Bengal CM to Attend Raksha Bandhan Event at Jadavpur University Amid Heightened Security
'Students forced Delhi zamindars to bow': Abhishek Banerjee takes dig at Centre over CJP protest
Show Bhabanipur CCTV, sing 4 stanzas of Vande Mataram: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee to CM Suvendu
During Raksha Bandhan event Bengal CM launches scathing attack against Leftist students
Kolkata, Aug 28 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday launched a scathing attack against the Leftist students group at the prestigious Jadavpur University (JU) and gave a call for ousting those forces from within the university campus who are raising slogans like Kashmir Mange Azadi or writing slogans in support of slain []
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticized slogans demanding Azadi in Kolkata. He questioned the writing of 'Red Salute Kishanji' on Jadavpur University walls. Adhikari stated that such slogans and references are anti-national and weaken the country. He also raised objections to opposition towards the complete rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. The Chief Minister urged for the removal of internal threats on Raksha Bandhan.
West Bengal: VHP Opposes Non-Veg Food Inside Durga Puja Pandals
VHP asks puja organisers to stick to norms, urged not to do distortion of Durga idol in garb of themes
Embracing National Pride: Agnimitra Paul Advocates for Unity and Love in India
Kolkata, August 28: Agnimitra Paul, a minister in the West Bengal government, shared her thoughts on various issues during an interview with a news agency on Friday. She extended warm wishes to fellow citizens, emphasizing that Rakhi is a celebration of love, symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters. Paul congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ... Read more Embracing National Pride: Agnimitra Paul Advocates for Unity and Love in India
The West Bengal Police registered an FIR against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O'Brien and others over alleged obstruction and assault on police personnel during the removal of an unauthorised hoarding at 9, Camac Street, Kolkata.
Nepal flash flood: Families of 33 from Bengal pray for a miracle
Seven Missing Fishermen Return Safely to Kakinada After 23 Days
After nearly 23 days, the fishermen were safely brought back to the West Bengal coast. They have now returned to Kakinada safely.
Nepal floods: 288 Indians uncontactable, 200 stranded in Tibet seeking evacuation
As rescue operations continued along the Nepal-Tibet border following devastating flash floods and landslides, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday that 288 Indian nationals remained uncontactable in Nepal and Tibet, while around 200 Indians stranded in Tibet were seeking evacuation. Randhir Jaiswal said, The first group of 73 people who are working on the Trishuli-1 power project. Then, two separate groups of 37 and 49 nationals from Tamil Nadu, who travelled for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels. There is a group of 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal who travelled with the help of Samrat Travels in Timure, which is in Rasuwa district. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the missing Indians included those working on hydropower projects and tourist groups. These are five major groups who comprise, by and large, 288 people that we are talking about, he added. Twenty-one Indians from Tamil Nadu were rescued, he said, and were being brought back. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said the government was working with local authorities to locate those who could not be contacted. There may be some people who are missing there and we are trying our best to locate them through the local authorities, Jaiswal said at a press briefing. The scale of the disaster continued to grow. Nepal Police said more than 300 bodies had been recovered from areas affected by Wednesdays floods, while Nepals National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 826 people remained missing. A Nepal police update reported by International media says the death toll has risen to 359, as of 17:00 local time Nepal officials reported that rescuers were searching for survivors after massive flash floods destroyed homes, washed away roads and swept away bridges along the Nepal-Tibet border. Nepal Tourism Board spokesperson Sunil Sharma told the BBC that 644 tourists remained unaccounted for following the Bhotekoshi floods. They included 178 Indians, 127 Nepalis, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 65 Americans, 35 Australians and 33 British nationals. We are coordinating with the relevant authorities for their search and rescue, Sharma said. Nepal Tourist Police Deputy Superintendent Bisworaj Adhikari told the BBC that authorities were continuing to collect information from tour operators about tourists who had travelled to the affected region. The disaster has particularly affected routes used by pilgrims and tourists travelling towards Mount Kailash and Mansarovar in Tibet, as well as trekking areas including Langtang and the religious site of Gosain Kunda. At least 77 people reported missing in Nepal were travelling with the Isha Foundation, founded by spiritual leader Sadhguru. The group had completed its Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and was returning to Kathmandu when contact was lost, according to foundation coordinator Maa Gambhiri. She told ANI that a member of the foundation team spoke to group leader Praveen at around 9.05 am local time on Wednesday. When they attempted to contact him about 10 minutes later, there was no response. We couldnt get through to him or anyone else. It seems the incident occurred within those ten minutes, she said. The group includes people from the US, Australia, Britain and several European and Asian countries, with many of Indian origin, she said. In Tibet, China said the number of people missing in the mudslide disaster in Gyirong county had risen to 558, including 260 foreign nationals. Three deaths have been confirmed in the region, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said around 100 Chinese nationals were also reported missing in Nepal. He said Beijing was maintaining close communication with Nepal and supporting joint search-and-rescue operations. The two sides of the border continued to face the threat of further landslides. Basanta Raj Adhikari, director of the Centre for Disaster Studies at Tribhuvan University, told BBC Newsday there was a possibility of second and third waves of flooding or landslides. We dont know yet, he said, adding that experts were in contact with colleagues in China monitoring the situation. There isnt high rainfall, but [a] landslide might happen, Adhikari said, linking the increasing risks in the Himalayas to climate change. We are observing but we didnt know that that would happen on [a] particular day, he said s reported by BBC.
Understanding tariff, and the hike
The recent power tariff hike in Jammu and Kashmir has created quite a fierce debate on the social media and amongst the society. Many statistics were tossed around in news reports about the hike in different categories of consumers, the cost of purchase of energy and the recovery thereof. The standard practice across the country is to determine the tariff every year. In case of J&K it was last done in 2023 and hence was overdue. As a matter of fact, this exercise should have been completed before the start of the financial year i.e., latest by end of March. It is now being done after five months into the current financial year. As per the Electricity Act of 2003, electricity tariff is determined by the appropriate electricity regulatory commission. For state distribution utilities (like JPDCL and KPDCL), the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) decides retail supply tariffs for consumers within the state. Prior to reorganisation of the State in 2019, Jammu & Kashmir had its State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) which determined the tariff. After the reorganisation SERC was replaced by Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). The operating principles of the Commission, however, remain the same i.e., to determine tariff in a transparent way while being guided by the need to ensure efficiency, protect consumer interests, and progressively reduce cross-subsidies while moving toward the actual cost of supply. The tariff policy under the Act also requires a fair, open, and transparent process for all parts of the electricity sector i.e., generation, transmission, and distribution. The Commission determines the tariff through a cost-based approach, where the regulator examines expenses such as power purchase cost, operation and maintenance, capital cost, return on equity, and other approved costs. The process involves submission of a petition by the utility (JPDCL or KPDCL in our case) to JERC in which it submits its accounts as regards the purchase of energy, the losses, the cost of distributing it to consumers. The JERC is expected to check these in detail and satisfy themselves to their correctness. Once found in order the expense is allowed in case the expense is not admissible or it is more than the standard norm the Regulator can allow part, or completely disallow the expense. If the State Government wants to keep consumer tariffs below the level fixed by the Commission, it can provide a subsidy in advance through its budget provision. This means the legal tariff can remain cost-reflective while selected consumer groups receive relief through government support. The case in point is the often discussed 200 units of free power. While the utility will submit its petition and the Regulator will fix the tariff, the government can decide to foot the bill for 200 units of the consumers at the rate determined by JERC. This way there is no adverse impact on the financial health of the utility (JPDCL or KPDCL). The utilities (JPDCL or KPDCL) estimate the cost of purchasing and distributing the energy and these calculations are to be checked and verified by the Regulator who then accordingly determines the tariff to be paid by the consumers. Prior to unbundling of the power sector, which led to creation of the utilities, the Power Development Department worked out the costings and petitioned the Regulator for determination of tariff. The utilities are commercial entities who are mandated to provide energy to the consumers in an efficient and competitive manner. It is worth mentioning here that the electricity tariff in J&K is amongst the lowest in the country. Based on existing tariff structure our average domestic tariff is Rs 3.90 per unit while the two states having tariff lower than us were Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, both with average domestic tariff marginally lower at Rs 3.80 per unit. States like Maharashtra and West Bengal have an average domestic tariff of Rs 8.20 and Rs 7.40 per unit. Incidentally, J&K had the highest T&D Losses in the country. In the year 2023-24 J&Ks losses stood at 48% followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 34% while the All India average was well below 20%. In the last few years these losses have been now substantially reduced are somewhere between 35 to 40%. This is a huge achievement and with the efforts of the utilities and cooperation of the consumers it should be possible to bring the figure down to the national average of around 15%. With the reduction in the T&D losses the tariff will also stabilise and the subsidy component currently funded by the UT Government will be used towards funding other welfare schemes. Equally, the other big achievement is the installation of pre-paid meters. The pre-paid concept itself is so alien to most of us particularly when it had been ingrained in us that electricity should be supplied free of cost. Though there is still a lot of work to do on that front commendable strides have been made in this important area. Without the cooperation of the consumers neither of these two achievements would have been possible. Frankly, a few years back nobody could have thought that such reduction in the losses and on installation of meters was achievable in such a short duration. Both the initiatives needed a complete change of mindset to be successful. Now looking at the financials projected in the tariff petition for the year 2026-2027 the projected cost of purchase and distribution of electricity for the two utilities i.e., JPDCL and KPDCL, is Rs 10276 crores. Out of this, Rs 7856 crores are expected to be collected leaving a shortfall in revenue collection of Rs 2421 crores. This amount of Rs 2421 crores is being funded by the government and will not be passed on to the consumers. Since an amount of Rs 502 crores is expected to be collected by increasing the tariff it implies that the actual shortfall in revenue collection, without increase in tariff would have been Rs 2923 crores. While a figure of 6.83% increase in tariff has been mentioned, this figure for consumers other than domestic, is much higher. Only in case of the BPL consumers it is unchanged at Rs 1.40 per unit subject to a maximum of 30 units per month. A preliminary review of the 334-page order issued by the JERC throws up a number of questions that demand clarification: i. If both JPDCL and KPDCL in their tariff petitions had asked for only a 5% across-the-board increase why did JERC approve a much higher tariff structure across different categories of consumers? What is the rationale behind this additional increase? ii. As per the Order the current hike will be effective 1 Sep 26 and will be valid till 31 Mar 27. What happens after Mar 2027? iii. Since the cost of purchase and distribution of electricity is for the full financial year (26-27) and the new tariff regime will be implemented only from 1 Sep 26, how will the full amount of Rs 502 crores be collected by billing at revised tariff for only 7 months (Sep 26 to Mar 27) instead of estimated 12 months in the petition? iv. The Order has considered Time of Day tariff. While it will have an impact the billing for domestic consumers during the peak hours because of 10% surcharge, it will positively effect the commercial and industrial consumers during the solar hours. Most of the commercial establishments and industries operate during the day and thus their bills for solar hour consumption will be reduced by 20% because of the rebate on ToD tariff. The impact of the rebate and of surcharge has not been captured in the calculations. v. The Order has not considered the impact of roof top solar units. Because of the generation from these roof top solar installations there will be lesser withdrawal of energy from the system and thence lesser purchase of energy from grid. Even though the installed capacity is small, it is only proper to capture its impact in the Order. For the hearing on KPDCL petition there hasnt been much of a public consultation and participation. Only three stakeholders attended the hearing of KPDCL and as can be seen from the Order they did not engage in any interaction during the hearing nor had they submitted any objections against the KPDCL petition. However, in the hearing held in Jammu for the JPDCL petition there were 32 stakeholders / consumers present in the hearing and a total of 13 objections were submitted against the proposed hike of 5% in the JPDCL petition. Going forward, for utilities to win the confidence of consumers, it is time to invest in transparent public outreach and shift toward a partnership-based approach. Engaging stakeholders is not optional; continuous engagement with stakeholders is critical to ensuring that the public not only understands but also supports the initiatives and programmes launched by the utilities. Iftikhar A Drabu is a Civil Engineer
PM Shri Schools to Launch Soon in West Bengal, Says Sukanta Majumdar
Kolkata, August 28: Central Education State Minister Sukanta Majumdar announced on Thursday that the PM Shri School project will soon be launched in West Bengal to enhance the education system. The school will be established in Malda district. Majumdar made this announcement during the inauguration of the new building of the Central School located in ... Read more PM Shri Schools to Launch Soon in West Bengal, Says Sukanta Majumdar
Nepal flash flood update: 31 West Bengali tourists missing and 1 rescued
Thirty-one West Bengal tourists, including Mukul Roy's daughter-in-law, are missing after a disaster. The group, which started their journey on August 21, was heading for Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. One tourist has been successfully rescued from the affected area so far. Sharmistha Bhowmik Roy was reportedly ten kilometers from the disaster zone. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sent reports to the PMO.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Announces Strengthening Measures for State Police
Kolkata, August 27: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced several measures on Thursday aimed at reorganizing and strengthening the state police force. Speaking at an event held at the Kolkata Police Headquarters in Lalbazar, CM Adhikari emphasized the importance of both the force and rapid response vehicles in any disaster situation. He revealed that each police ... Read more West Bengal Chief Minister Announces Strengthening Measures for State Police
Former Trinamool MP Mamtaz Sanghamita passes away at 80
13 arrested for murder of Congress leader and his son in West Bengal
Govt raises civic volunteer pay by Rs 2,000
CM Suvendu Adhikari Urges Skilled Bengalis Abroad To Return, Promises Jobs Under Double-Engine Govt
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has urged skilled and educated professionals working across India and abroad to return to the state, promising new opportunities under the double-engine government. Speaking at LTMs Ananda Niketan IT campus in New Town, he highlighted jobs in AI, cybersecurity, chip design, automation and digital manufacturing. The government will also provide 10 additional acres for a data centre. The campus can accommodate around 5,800 professionals. Adhikari also stressed stronger industry-academia partnerships, credit access for small businesses and continued support for Bengals investment and technology ecosystem.
Govt eyes its auditoriums to give Bengali films more screens
