Strike may lead to hike in power tariff

Hyderabad, Sept 23: The power consumers in the State should be ready for another round of hike in the power tariff. Following huge losses caused to the State's exchequer due to the on-going Sakala Janula Samme or the general strike, the government is planning to affect a steep hike in the power tariff to cover the losses. The general strike has entered 11th day on Friday and the government has lost hundreds of crores of revenue under several heads. So far, according to rough estimates the government has suffered losses to the tune of nearly Rs 8,800 crore due to Telangana stir. The losses have been attributed mainly due to the non-function of departments like the Excise, Municipal Administration and Stamps and Registration. The Commercial Taxes department alone fetches a daily income of nearly Rs 300 crore which has been lost since September 13, an official said. Major losses were also reported from departments like tourism. The collection of Entertainment Tax was also affected due to the closure of theatres in the region. Earnings from the film shootings too have stopped. In addition, the archakas located in the Telangana temples also decided to stop 'arjitha' sevas from Sept 27, which will lead to further loss of income to the State. Officials say that the losses would mount further, if the strike continues. Ultimately, the State Government would shift the burden on common tax payers by affecting an increase in various taxes. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had already indicated the other day while announcing the scheduled power-cuts that power charges increase is round the corner. The centre had already directed the state for hiking the surcharge on power along with increase in VAT. Due to the SCCL strike, the coal production has come to a halt and consequently, it has badly affected the power production. Now the state is forced to buy power from other states to meet the demand. To make up for all these losses, the State Government is preparing to increase the power tariff which might be announced next month.