The Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited (GESCOM) has taken decisive action against Hampi Kannada University in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, tfor non-payment of electricity dues amounting to ₹97.80 lakh. GESCOM removed the fuses from three transformers on the university premises, resulting in a complete disconnection of electricity on Friday morning.
The Assistant Engineer of GESCOM in Kamalapur issued a notice to the Chancellor on December 21, emphasizing the immediate need to settle the outstanding amount of ₹97,80,178. The notice warned that failure to make the payment promptly would lead to an immediate termination of the electricity connection, and it reached the Chancellor on Thursday.
Despite multiple previous notices, the university had not cleared the outstanding bill, prompting Jescom to take the drastic step of disconnecting the electricity as a deterrent. Dayanand J, Assistant Executive Engineer at GESCOM, said that the Chancellor had assured in writing to settle the bill in February, but action was taken due to the persistent non-payment.
Chancellor Prof. D.V. Paramashivamurthy acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by the university, stressing that efforts to bring the matter to the government’s attention would continue. This incident is reminiscent of a similar power cut in February of the previous year when the university had ₹1.05 crore in electricity bill arrears. Chancellor Prof. Vijaya Poonacha Tambanda highlighted that quick action was taken then, funds were mobilized, and ₹30 lakh was promptly paid to restore the electricity connection.