At the 60th Jubilee of Karnataka Broadcasting Corporation Employees’ Association, DCM Shivakumar roars against privatisation, assures job security, highlights massive energy reforms, and urges unwavering support to Congress
Bengaluru: In a fiery and emotionally-charged speech at the 60th Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Karnataka Broadcasting Corporation Employees’ Association held at Palace Grounds, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar delivered a bold declaration, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
❝As long as CM Siddaramaiah and I are in power, Eskom will never be privatised. We will not allow it. Karnataka’s electricity system is powered by our own engineers, directors, and brave workers, not by private corporations,❞ declared Shivakumar, strongly opposing the privatisation of state electricity companies.
Recounting his term as Energy Minister, Shivakumar said he resisted intense pressure from the BJP-led Central Government to hand over Eskom to private firms, as was done in Delhi and Mumbai.
A Model for the Nation: Cutting Losses, Not Corners
❝When I took charge, the transmission loss was 19-20%. We've slashed it to 10%. That’s a model for the entire country. Even today, other states suffer 17-18% loss,❞ he stated, crediting the department's workforce for this transformation.
He praised the department's evolution under his leadership and current minister K.J. George’s transparent governance, noting their collective commitment to public welfare.
Transparent Recruitment, Zero Bribes, 24,000 Jobs
Shivakumar also emphasized the historic recruitment drive during his tenure:
❝I recruited 24,000 employees without a single rupee in bribes. Earlier ministers made money from your dreams—we gave you jobs at your doorsteps with honesty,❞ he declared, drawing a contrast with previous administrations.
Tribute to Employees: The Invisible Oil Behind the Lamp
Using powerful metaphors, he likened the employees of the Energy Department to the oil and wick behind the shining lamp, often overlooked but absolutely essential:
❝The light is seen by all, but the effort behind it is invisible. You are that effort. Your trust in us since we took charge speaks volumes,❞ he said with folded hands, invoking emotion and solidarity.
Solar Revolution: Karnataka’s Global Model
Highlighting the revolutionary Pavagada Solar Park, Shivakumar spoke of the land-lease model that benefited local farmers:
❝We didn’t snatch land; we paid rent—₹18,000 per acre, now ₹26,000—while keeping farmers as landowners. Today, this project is a global model, even followed by the Central Government,❞ he claimed proudly.
“Raise Me Up or Pull Me Down—It’s In Your Hands”
In an electrifying moment, the DCM turned to the audience with a direct call:
❝There are 35 lakh IP sets and 2 lakh customers in our state. Their lives are in your hands. If you decide, you can raise me or bring me down. But remember, I stood by you—you must stand by the Congress government,❞ he urged, positioning the energy employees as political changemakers.
Gratitude, Guarantees, and OPS Assurance
He reminded the workers of Congress’ flagship schemes like Grihajyothi, which delivers free electricity up to 200 units to 1.60 crore families, and confirmed that their demands including the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) are on the government’s radar.
❝We reduced salary revision cycles from 7 to 5 years and granted a 26% hike. IPS officers and KPTCL engineers now get equal pay. This is our commitment. OPS is in our manifesto. We won’t let you down,❞ he promised.
Final Words: A Leader’s Legacy
Shivakumar closed the address with a profound reflection on his life in public service:
❝Birth is accidental, death is inevitable. What matters is what we do in between. I’m proud of what we’ve built in the energy sector—with you, for Karnataka,❞ he said, eyes gleaming with purpose.
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