Karnataka government faces ₹7,500-crore scam allegations

A BJP lawmaker in Karnataka has accused the government of a major scam involving smart electricity meters. C.N. Ashwath Narayan claims there were irregularities worth ₹7,500 crore in how contracts for nearly 39 lakh meters were awarded. During a debate in the Legislative Assembly, Narayan argued that the government should cancel the contract. He suggested that the contract went to a supplier instead of directly to manufacturers, leading to higher costs for the meters. He also raised concerns about a blacklisted company being chosen for software support related to the meters. According to Narayan, the electricity provider, Bescom, is requiring customers who want temporary or new connections to install smart meters. He said this contradicts guidelines from both the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Central Electricity Authority. Energy Minister K.J. George previously stated that smart meters were only mandatory for temporary connections. He promised to review the situation and provide more details soon. George also said he would consider canceling the contract if it is found that the software company is indeed blacklisted.