THERE is a lot of hue and cry going on about increase in the fees of private schools. Everyone agrees that it is unprecedented. Besides, without authorisation this increase is unjustified.

But what about the increase the entire nation faces from the uncalled-for increase in tariff rates from government or privatised and monopolised departments? Are they above the law that is applicable to the private sector?

During the last three months, K-Electric has thrice revised its tariff rates, dumping the burden on each and every paying consumer of electricity in Karachi.

While obtaining electric connection, a consumer has to pay the cost of wire, electric meter and installation charges to K-Electric. Moreover, he pays meter rent every month though he owns it. Besides, he suffers by paying 19pc tax on electricity charges, which is absolutley unjustified.

The government receives this amount directly from banks for God knows where to spend it — not on public welfare I am sure.

Now K-Electric has come up with another brilliant idea to increase its revenue by replacing existing old meters with new electronic ones and to charge its cost from the consumers through the very next bill sent to them. Is there any justification in this as the new meters run much faster than the old previous ones? Now they are again making changes to make them run even faster.

Are all these changes really justified?

Muhammad Akram Qureshi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 19th , 2015

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