Agartala: April 07: As part of a nationwide campaign, the Tripura Electricity Consumers Association organized a protest meeting in the Botatla area to voice concerns over the installation of prepaid smart meters and the proposed privatization of electricity services.
The event saw participation from members of the association as well as general consumers. Sanjay Choudhury, the convener of the association, spoke during the meeting, claiming that the introduction of smart meters is seen as a move that may negatively affect the interests of the public. He described it as a shift prioritizing corporate profits and suggested it could lead to the transfer of electricity services to private entities, which some believe is not in the public’s best interest.
Protesters emphasized the importance of maintaining electricity services as a government-managed entity, arguing that it is a fundamental right that should prioritize public welfare. The association formally called upon the government to halt the installation of smart meters and reconsider any moves toward privatization.
The protest reflects ongoing debates about the future management of electricity services in the region.