Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) convened a meeting with various industrial associations late last night, where it was decided to revive the agitation, which was suspended after the Swaminathan Committee -- formed to go into the issue -- submitted its report last year.

The State Government has, however, been extending subsidy periodically and the consumers are yet to pay the increased tariff that came into force from April 1, 1998.

During the meeting it was decided to form a 10-member committee with representatives from SGCCI and other bodies. The meeting, convened in view of a recommendation by Energy Minister Kaushik Patel for five per cent more tariff than GEB, came down heavily on the indecision on part of the government. Patel after recommending a 10 per cent hike, had slashed it to five per cent to be borne by residential and commercial consumers using more than 200 units and industrial users having more than 10 HP connection.

The industrial representatives rejected the recommendation asking why only Surat consumers were being asked to pay more. They wanted to know whether the government would take over SEC if it failed to generate electricity as per a condition in the license given to it.

Some wanted to know whether the five per cent hike would be slapped on fuel adjustment cost, electricity duty and Sales Tax, whether the hike would be further raised in future and demanded the government take a decision.

The committee members will call on political parties and seek their help in supporting their agitation during the next 10 days. The committee will again meet on February 22, where a final decision on agitation will be taken, according to SGCCI sources.