Why is Congress Protesting Against Smart Electric Meters in Tripura?
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Synopsis
On July 14, Congress staged large-scale protests in Tripura against the deployment of smart electric meters and rising electricity tariffs. With tensions escalating, the party has vowed to intensify their demonstrations if the government does not annul its plans. This article delves into the details of the protests and the implications for residents of Tripura.
Key Takeaways
- Congress protests against smart meter installations
- Public sentiment is critical in technology adoption
- TSECL plans significant upgrades by 2027
- Smart meters offer numerous consumer benefits
- Transparency and public consultation are essential
Agartala, July 14 (NationPress) Following the CPI (M), the opposition Congress staged significant protests throughout Tripura on Monday against the rollout of smart electric meters and the hike in electricity tariffs.
The Congress organized protest rallies and demonstrations outside the offices of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) in each of the eight districts, declaring that they would escalate their agitation if the government did not reverse its decision.
Congress leader Tanmoy Roy criticized the TSECL for initiating the installation of smart meters without adhering to proper procedures or making prior announcements, claiming that the BJP government had secretly increased electricity tariffs last month.
“The BJP is exhibiting a dual standard regarding the smart meter issue. While they protest against the West Bengal government’s decisions, they are imposing smart meters in Tripura against the public's wishes,” he stated during a press interaction in Agartala.
Roy pointed out that various charges, including sundries and duty fees, have been increased significantly, thereby imposing a substantial burden on the average citizens.
Senior Congress figures Prabir Chakraborty and Neel Kamal Saha addressed the crowd during the demonstration at TSECL's headquarters in Agartala.
Earlier, on July 11, the CPI-M had also conducted protests statewide regarding similar concerns. Meanwhile, TSECL aims to install 600,000 consumer-friendly smart meters by March 2027, with the installation process already underway.
TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu previously stated that, in accordance with the Union government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), these smart meters would be installed across the state.
As of now, approximately 88,750 smart meters have been installed, Basu informed the media. He emphasized that TSECL is working towards modernizing the state's power infrastructure through smart meter installations, funded by the Asian Development Bank.
According to the Managing Director, these digital smart meters come equipped with communication technology, allowing for automated and remote monitoring of energy consumption.
The smart meters provide real-time data on usage to both consumers and TSECL, thereby eliminating the current manual meter-reading system, he explained.
These meters will also streamline billing processes, whether postpaid or prepaid, enable usage tracking via mobile applications, and facilitate quick fault detection for prompt resolution. Basu added that the project is anticipated to conclude by March 2027, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 603 crore.
Point of View
The ongoing protests in Tripura highlight the critical intersection between technological advancement and public sentiment. As smart meters are introduced to modernize infrastructure, the concerns voiced by Congress regarding transparency and accountability cannot be overlooked. It is crucial for the government to engage with citizens to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of public trust.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are smart electric meters?
Smart electric meters are advanced devices that allow for automated and remote monitoring of energy consumption, replacing traditional manual meter reading.
Why is Congress protesting the installation of smart meters?
Congress is protesting because they believe the installation of smart meters was done without proper procedures or public consultation, coupled with a rise in electricity tariffs.
How many smart meters does TSECL plan to install by 2027?
TSECL aims to install 600,000 smart meters across Tripura by March 2027.
What benefits do smart meters provide to consumers?
Smart meters offer real-time data on energy usage, facilitate both prepaid and postpaid billing, and allow consumers to track their usage through mobile apps.
What is the estimated cost of the smart meter project?
The estimated cost of the smart meter project is Rs 603 crore.
