Karnataka BJP Criticizes Congress for 'Anti-People' Smart Meter Policies
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress government for charging citizens up to Rs 10,000 for smart meter installation, labeling the decision as anti-people. They urge the government to focus on more beneficial programs and address the concerns raised by the Karnataka High Court regarding the financial burden on the poor.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP condemns Congress for high smart meter costs.
- Smart meters priced at Rs 10,000, originally Rs 2,000.
- High Court criticizes government for burdening the poor.
- Residents voice concerns over unreasonably high installation fees.
- Demand for government to prioritize citizen welfare programs.
Bengaluru, April 26 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has directed criticism at the Congress-led administration for its initiative to deploy smart meters, claiming the implementation includes an outrageous cost of up to Rs 10,000 for the average citizen. On Saturday, they urged the government to reconsider these anti-people policies.
State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked that the Karnataka High Court had condemned the Congress government for placing an undue financial burden on the vulnerable in the name of digital meters.
"The Congress government, under one of its guarantee schemes named 'Gruha Jyothi,' promised an unrealistic provision of up to 200 units of free electricity for all, yet imposed numerous eligibility conditions," he elaborated.
"Following the rollout of this scheme, as the Energy Department approached insolvency, instead of tackling the issue, the government opted to continuously impose higher electricity rates on consumers. Currently, the government has mandated the installation of smart meters, setting a steep price of Rs 10,000 per meter, a move criticized and stayed by the High Court," Vijayendra explained.
The smart meters, which initially cost Rs 2,000, are now priced at Rs 10,000, effectively exploiting the common populace, according to the State BJP President.
"Is anyone asking for free electricity at such a cost from the Congress-led Karnataka government? What measures are being taken for the underprivileged? The High Court has voiced serious concerns about this. I again urge the government to reverse its anti-people measures and instead prioritize programs that benefit citizens," he stated.
On April 25, the Karnataka High Court issued a temporary order to prevent the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) and the state government from enforcing the mandatory installation of smart meters.
M. Jayalaxmi, a resident of Doddaballapur, has filed a petition objecting to Bescom's directive to pay Rs 8,900 for smart meter installation.
The petitioner’s counsel noted that the installation of smart meters costs only Rs 900 in states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, while Karnataka’s government demands Rs 8,900.
"The court criticized the state government, questioning whether the administration is facing challenges due to offering freebies," the counsel stated.
"Who requested free electricity? The cost for smart meter installation should have been reduced. Furthermore, outsourcing this is perilous. You are suffocating the poor. Where can the impoverished turn?" the bench inquired of the state government.
