Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh : Mahila Mandals spearhead protest against prepaid smart meters in Baijnath
Defying biting cold and heavy rain, hundreds of women from Mahila Mandals, along with members of local self-help groups and non-governmental organisations, staged a massive protest in Baijnath on Tuesday against the installation of prepaid smart electricity meters in the region.
Defying biting cold and heavy rain, hundreds of women from Mahila Mandals, along with members of local self-help groups and non-governmental organisations, staged a massive protest in Baijnath on Tuesday against the installation of prepaid smart electricity meters in the region.
The protesters gathered in the main markets of Baijnath, raising slogans against the ongoing installation drive. They alleged that the introduction of smart meters was a step towards the privatisation of electricity distribution and a gradual withdrawal of domestic power subsidies, which could adversely affect common consumers.
Later, the demonstrators marched through the town and submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu through Baijnath Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankalp Gautam. A rally was also organised outside the SDM office.
Addressing the gathering, several speakers claimed that prepaid smart meters would not benefit ordinary households and would instead favour private companies involved in the project. They expressed apprehension that consumers could face arbitrary billing practices once the system is fully implemented.
The protesters demanded that the state government hold awareness meetings in all gram panchayats to educate residents about the functioning and billing mechanism of the smart meters. They alleged that installations were being carried out without proper consultation or sensitisation of consumers.
Serious allegations were also levelled against installation agencies, with demonstrators claiming that company staff were entering private premises without consent and installing meters forcibly. Mahila Mandal representatives warned that if such practices continued, residents would remove the meters themselves.
Highlighting challenges faced by rural households, the protesters said many consumers lack smartphones and reliable internet connectivity, making it difficult to recharge prepaid meters. They feared this could lead to exploitation at Lok Mitra Kendras and automatic power disconnections when balances run out, adding to the financial burden on families.
Calling for an immediate halt to the installations, the protesters urged the government to reconsider the move and warned that public resentment over the issue could have political repercussions in upcoming panchayat and Assembly elections.
