Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA) - pic - Ganesh S Perla

Mangalore, Mar 21: Dakshina Kannada Labour Commission led by advocate and notary Ivan D'Souza staged a protest with candles in their hands in front of the MESCOM office at Attavar here on Wednesday March 21.

The protestors condemned MESCOM for load shedding in the evening hours on almost every day in and around the city.  "While some students are preparing for exams, some others are already writing their final exams.  Power-cuts during the evening hours has however, a major obstacle for them to study.  Even the farmers and labourers are facing problems owing to load shedding," said Ivan D'Souza while addressing the agitators.

He further said that the rural areas are having electricity only for 5-6 hours per day.  Even here low voltage has been a major concern.  "The farmers who are involved in cash crop are facing hell a lot of problems.  The government is speaking about helping farmers by giving loans at cheaper rates or even cancelling all their previous loans.  However, it is not speaking about regularizing the power supply which so much necessary for agriculture," he added.

The agitators also demanded the government to think about alternative methods through which the shortage of electricity would be met adequately.  "The government should think of either buying electricity from the neighbouring states or of generating enough electricity in the state itself with adequate projects and means," they demanded.