Belagavi: With preparations for the winter session under way, Suvarna Vidhana Soudha faces the threat of a power disconnection over unpaid electricity bills of around Rs 11 lakh, accumulated over the past three months. The Hubballi Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) has issued an oral warning, asking the authorities to clear the dues.The public works department (PWD), which maintains the building, requires around Rs 2.20 crore annually for its upkeep. However, grants have not been released regularly, and this year’s funding proposal is awaiting finance department approval.PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi played down the issue, pointing out that govt departments collectively owe around Rs 10,000 crore to five power supply companies.“Officials and the govt are there to handle such matters. Why are you concerned about a possible disconnection? It is not your duty,” he told reporters.Chief minister DK Shivakumar said the issue was not limited to Suvarna Soudha. He pointed to the rising burden of farm subsidies, which had increased from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore due to higher consumption amid drought conditions. He said the govt would take steps to address the issue.
