Karnataka electrical contractors strike over rising costs

Electrical contractors in Karnataka have started an indefinite strike. They began on Tuesday to protest various issues affecting their work. The Karnataka State Licensed Electrical Contractors’ Association is leading the action. They are unhappy with the rising prices of equipment like smart energy meters. These meters have sharply increased from ₹950 to ₹5,000. The contractors are asking for the prices to return to the original rate for three months to ease financial pressures. Additionally, they are concerned about rising service fees in the Electrical Inspectorate. There are also delays in getting power supply lines set up for high-capacity projects of 2 MW or more. Contractors want exemptions for those who were licensed before 2012. Currently, they must have an SSLC educational qualification to advance to grade I. The contractors also demand that electricity supply companies provide compensation to workers injured or killed while on the job.