Agartala: April 07: As part of a nationwide protest week against the controversial installation of prepaid smart meters and the potential privatization of electricity services, the Tripura Electricity Consumers Association (TECA) organized a protest meeting today in the Botatla area. The protest was attended by a large number of association members and general consumers who voiced their strong opposition to the government’s proposed policies.
The convener of the Tripura Electricity Consumers Association, Sanjay Choudhury, was a key speaker at the event. He condemned the installation of smart meters, describing them as a deceptive move that serves corporate interests rather than the welfare of ordinary citizens. Choudhury stated that these smart meters are part of a broader agenda to privatize electricity services, turning what should be a public utility into a profit-driven business.
According to Choudhury, there is a deliberate effort to take control of electricity services away from the government and hand them over to private companies. He stressed that electricity is a basic necessity and should remain under public management to ensure fair pricing and equitable access for all citizens. “The move to privatize electricity services is against the very essence of public welfare and will harm the interests of common people,” Choudhury remarked.
The protestors, echoing the concerns raised by the association, called for the immediate cessation of smart meter installations and the cancellation of any plans to privatize electricity services. They demanded that the government prioritize the needs of the people and keep electricity services in public hands to protect consumers from corporate exploitation. The meeting ended with a strong resolution to continue protesting until their demands are met, signaling a growing public discontent over the proposed changes.
