Karnataka to Fill 35,000 Power Sector Vacancies and Restore Old Pension Scheme: CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announces phased recruitment for 35,000 KPTCL vacancies and reiterates promise to implement the Old Pension Scheme. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar rules out privatisation of ESCOMs, highlighting key reforms and achievements in the energy sector.
Bengaluru, June 18 – Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees’ Association, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the power sector workforce and fulfilling its electoral promises.
“Our government walks the talk. We will examine your demands and take appropriate action,” the Chief Minister said, addressing employee concerns, particularly over pensions.
He stated that while the National Pension Scheme (NPS) was introduced by the central government, the Karnataka government has committed in its election manifesto to implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). “We will hold discussions and take the necessary steps to fulfill this promise,” he added.
Siddaramaiah also praised the contribution of power corporation employees and highlighted Karnataka’s legacy in the electricity sector. He noted that Karnataka was the first state in Asia to produce electricity in 1902, established its first supply company in Bengaluru in 1905, and powered the Mysore Palace by 1908.
In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister declared that the government will initiate phased recruitment to fill 35,000 vacant posts in the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL). Additionally, services of 532 civic workers in the department will be regularised.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also addressed the gathering, made it clear that the Congress-led government would not allow the privatisation of Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs).
“As long as Siddaramaiah and I are in power, we will not permit the privatisation of ESCOMs in Karnataka,” he said. Shivakumar revealed that during his previous tenure as Energy Minister, he faced significant pressure from the Centre to privatise, especially after similar moves in Mumbai and Delhi, but he resisted those efforts.
He also highlighted his achievements, including reducing Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses from 19–20 percent to 10 percent, now considered a national benchmark. Shivakumar said the state’s generation capacity doubled from 11,000 MW to 23,000 MW, and 24,000 employees were recruited transparently during his term.
He pointed to innovations like the Pavagada Solar Park, which adopted a land-leasing model allowing farmers to retain ownership and receive annual rent. This model was later adopted by the Union government.
The announcements mark a significant step in strengthening Karnataka’s power sector and reflect the government’s resolve to prioritise employment, public sector integrity, and sustainable growth.