I have dedicated my professional life to serving the public as a member of a government-owned electricity company in Karnataka. My colleagues and I are committed to prioritizing service over profit, ensuring that every resident and farmer has access to affordable and reliable electricity. However, the recent push towards privatisation, marked by the proposal to grant a parallel distribution license to TATA Power, threatens to upend our mission and negatively impact countless lives across the state.

Privatisation of electricity supply typically results in companies focusing more on profit margins than public welfare. This profit-driven approach is especially concerning for farmers in Karnataka, who rely heavily on affordable electricity for their irrigation needs. Under private ownership, there's an increased likelihood of metering farmers, which could lead to exploitative pricing, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.

Beyond the immediate financial impact on farmers, privatisation may curtail essential welfare programs. Public sector initiatives like the Ganga Kalyan scheme and other water supply projects are crucial for the upliftment of impoverished communities. If the electricity supply is privatised, these initiatives risk being deprioritized or abandoned in favor of profit-making schemes by private companies.

Considerable evidence shows that when private enterprises take over public utilities, the focus shifts away from service provision to maximizing shareholder value. Residents in other regions, where electricity has been privatised, have experienced hikes in tariffs, unreliable service, and a lack of accountability. This is a future we should strive to avoid for the people of Karnataka.

We urge the state government to reconsider this approach and honor the commitment to serving the citizens over corporate interests. By keeping the electricity supply in public hands, we can ensure continued support for farmers, maintain crucial welfare programs, and uphold our responsibility to the citizens of Karnataka.

Join us in this critical fight to protect public interest over corporate profit. Sign this petition to voice your opposition to the privatisation of Karnataka's electricity supply. Together, we can make a strong case for maintaining public control over essential services and securing a brighter future for our state.