"...Number of unauthorised pump sets is increasing, so we have kept March 31 as the deadline. If farmers don't apply for regularisation by paying Rs 10,000 or 14,000 before March 31 we will take action mercilessly against the unauthorised pump sets," Karnataka Power Minister D K told reporters here.
He said "because of these unauthorised pump sets we are not able to provide justice to all" and added that farmers have to apply for regularisation to maintain accountability.
To a question on the power situation in the state, Shivakumar said there is 10 per cent demand supply gap, but government was confident of managing it.
He said "with all our efforts including our steps on renewable energy, our agreements with various organisations and governments, I think by next year we will be self sufficient."
To a question whether the government will intervene and roll back tariff increase, he said government has no role to play in this as increase or decrease in tariff are decided by the power companies depending on the situation.