A citizen welfare body in Sampangiramanagar has alleged that the shifting of the Bescom office (S-2 Sub-Division) to Adugodi Main Road is against the interests of consumers. The Sampagiramanagar Naagareeka Seva Samiti has alleged that the decision to move despite owning a vacant building on Siddaiah Road is guided by vested interests. Addressing presspersons on Friday, Samiti president K.H. Ramalinga Reddy said . “Bescom is paying rent at the rate of Rs. 25 per square feet (PSF) in the existing office at Wilson Garden. The owner wanted enhancement in rent to Rs. 40 PSF. Instead of negotiating, Bescom is moving to new premises where it will pay Rs. 49 PSF. It also turned down BMTC’s offer to provide office space at Rs. 22 PSF,” he said.
He claimed that Bescom would spend nearly Rs. one crore on shifting, including on deposit and infrastructure. “This expense will be transferred to consumers,” he said.
Bescom officials said the building on Siddaiah Road is an old one.