Min inaugurates expo for secretariat employees, promotes EV adoption

KJ George emphasised Karnataka's pioneering role in electric mobility, with the state being the first to adopt a dedicated EV policy in 2017.

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The inaugural ceremony of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Expo for Secretariat employees, spearheaded by Energy Minister KJ George was hosted in Vidhan Soudha on Friday. The initiative aims to promote electric vehicle adoption among government staff while highlighting the state's leadership in EV infrastructure and policy. Addressing the gathering, KJ George emphasised Karnataka's pioneering role in electric mobility, with the state being the first in India to adopt a dedicated EV policy in 2017.

"From 11,000 EV registrations in 2017 to over 1,50,000 today, Karnataka has witnessed remarkable growth in EV adoption," he noted. The state also boasts the highest number of public EV charging stations, with 5,713 operational facilities, underscoring its commitment to sustainable transportation. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh supported the expo's objectives, stating, "Government employees can serve as role models in the transition to clean energy. Attractive discounts and low-interest loans offered during this event will encourage EV adoption." Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta highlighted the collaboration between EV manufacturers and BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited) in developing the state's robust EV charging network. BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi revealed that the expo features 16 EV manufacturers offering deals tailored for Secretariat employees, such as zero down payment and subsidised loans.

The two-day event, scheduled for January 17–18, 2025, caters to approximately 8,000 Secretariat employees, including permanent, deputed, and contract staff. President of the Secretariat Employees' Association, Ramesh Sanga, expressed optimism about increasing EV usage among employees, which currently stands at a 5 per cent penetration rate for two-wheelers.

The expo includes 18 stalls showcasing two- and four-wheelers, banking services, and BESCOM initiatives, with an anticipated footfall of 5,000 attendees. In a further push for electric mobility, Karnataka's government has proposed 2,500 new EV charging stations under a public-private partnership model and allocated Rs 35 crore for 100 additional charging centres in collaboration with power companies.