Grahakjago (S.K.Virmani)©

Electricity both generation and distribution in India are covered under the Electricity Act. The present posts deal with the distribution of electricity to the consumers as it is being disseminated from the issues being faced by the consumers. The electricity is being distributed to the last milestone which is the consumer by the electricity distribution companies prominently termed as Discoms or Licencees. Discoms are both in the private sector as well as state-controlled companies such as PSUs. The distribution of electricity to the consumers through distribution companies (DISCOMs) whether in private or State PSUs is regulated by the regulations framed by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions under the Electricity Act. The State Electricity Regulatory Commission frames service regulations keeping in view to protect the interest of the consumers. The tariff is also regulated by the Electricity Regulatory Commissions and it reviews the same periodically, normally t...

Unethical business practices by telecom service providers in life time validity plans subscribed by prepaid category of mobile subscribers- An article as titled above was brought out on 28/12/2018 in this blog indicating unethical business practices of the Telecom Service Providers on their prepaid and postpaid telecom connections. The link to the article is: https://skvirmani-jagograhak.blogspot.com/2018/12/unethical-business-practices-by-telecom.html The telecom service providers had launched a scheme “life time validity” plans for mobile subscribers wherein the mobile users were being offered free incoming calls for which no recharge for its validity was required against one time charge. It was ranging from various amounts varying from company to company, the most prominent being Rs. 999/-. These plans were announced by telecom companies more than a decade back. The subscribers were required to recharge with talk time value recharge vouchers if the subscribers wish t...

Poor dining service at Le Chef Restaurants in Sector 37 Faridabad viz-a-viz charging of service charges by Restaurants and Hotels Department of Consumer Affairs has brought out a press release advising Restaurants and Hotels not to charge service charge compulsorily into the food bill and waive off the same if the diners do not wish to pay. The ground realities seems to be different specially in view of various media reports. I have also stated in my various posts in this blog that the Restaurants have been adapting to unethical business practices in charging service charge compulsorily and also wrong charging of VAT on 100% value of the food bill. I have visited a restaurant in Sector 37 Faridabad named Le Chef. The restaurant were earlier charging service charge by clubbing with the VAT thus misleading the diners. A bill is given below: As can be seen above that Le Chef charged VAT at the rate of 28.13% in their bill No. 1010 dtd. 29/05/2015. Over and above an amount of Rs....

Weather Department of Consumer Affairs is serious enough to address the unethical business practices  of charging service charges and VAT by Restaurants and Hotels Industry?  I have written an article titled "Are Restaurants and Hotels adapting to unfair business practices?" on this blog on 21st April 2015, the link of which is http://skvirmani-jagograhak.blogspot.in/2015/04/are-restaurant-and-hotels-adapting-to.html The said article stated importance of making service charges being charged by Restaurants in the form of tip need to be made optional and let it be left to the option of the diners whether to pay it or not to pay. Department of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India has recently issued a press release No.  156064 which appeared in newspapers on 2nd January 2017. A copy of the press release is copied here for ready reference. Department of Consumer Affairs have advised Restaurants and Hotel Industry to make service charge as optional and to waive off t...

Whether Electricity DISCOMs in Delhi adapting to Unethical Business Practices and why there is a silence by Delhi Government? The electricity in Delhi is being distributed to the consumers by: 1. BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. 2. BSES Yamuna Power Ltd and  BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd- Sample Bill 3. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd All these distribution companies are called prominently as DISCOMs. The DISCOMs are the first interface directly with the last mile stone i.e Consumer and these distribution companies are required to adhere to the regulations as laid down under Electricity Act, 2003. The distribution of electricity in the region of Delhi is being regulated by Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). DERC frames the regulations through a process of consultation and open house discussions with an objective to keep the interest of the Consumers as utmost and ensures that these regulations are implemented.  Delhi has elected a Government which fought...