Kerala power minister adopts alternative smart metre model

29 Aug 2023 CW Team

Power Minister K Krishnankutty confirmed on Sunday that there was no disagreement with the Chief Minister over the smart meter project. He stated that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had been directed to formulate an alternative smart meter solution, rejecting the TOTEX model that had been collectively dismissed by the Left government in a political context.

Krishnankutty also reached out to the Union Energy Minister, seeking a three-month extension for the smart meter project's implementation. The decision to move away from the TOTEX model was made during a high-level meeting between Krishnankutty and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, prompted by a directive from the CPM Politburo.

The Power Minister revealed that KSEB is working towards introducing the alternative smart meter model within the next three months. Simultaneously, the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers expressed approval of the state government's decision to abandon the TOTEX model.

Real Estate

14 Oct 2025

GHMC Launches Drive To Boost Property Tax Revenue

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a special campaign to enhance property tax revenue from non-residential and commercial properties by reassessing their total built-up area. Any discrepancies identified during inspections will trigger immediate revision of both property tax and trade licence fees, officials said. The initial phase of the drive focuses on shopping malls across Hyderabad, with over 300 such establishments identified in the twin cities. After the mall inspections, GHMC will extend the verification process to other non-residential properties, includi..

Cholamandalam To Raise Rs 10 Billion Via NCD Issue

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has invited bids to raise up to Rs 10 billion through secured non-convertible debentures (NCDs) maturing on 14 October 2030, offering a coupon rate of 7.58 per cent. The NCD issue, announced on Monday, comes at a time when corporate bond activity — which saw strong momentum in the first quarter of FY26 — has slowed during the second quarter owing to rising borrowing costs. However, market analysts anticipate a rebound in the coming months as easing bond yields could reignite investor appetite for corporate debt instruments. The company’s fu..

Maharashtra Approves Cluster Redevelopment For Mumbai Slums

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a cluster redevelopment scheme for Mumbai’s slums, paving the way for large-scale urban renewal and improved living standards across the city’s informal settlements. The decision, taken on 7 October, seeks to convert slum clusters spread over more than 50 acres into integrated housing projects equipped with modern infrastructure and better amenities. To be implemented by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the initiative aims to accelerate redevelopment, attract private investment, and stimulate construction activity. According to a statement from..