Silchar Residents Protest Against Prepaid Smart Meters, Demand Continuation of Postpaid Billing
The citizens of Silchar held a large protest to voice their objection to installing prepaid smart power metres and to call for the maintenance of the current postpaid billing system. Many different groups representing concerned individuals attended the demonstration, which the Cachar district committee of the Assam Electricity Consumers Association organised.
Convener of the state committee of the organisation Ajoy Acharjee expressed worry that the rollout of smart metres was targeted at satisfying corporate interests rather than law-abiding taxpayers. He stressed that customers will feel the effects of this decision.
Despite filing a formal application for demonstration permits on May 6, the protestors expressed disappointment at the lengthy approval process. They persisted and were granted the opportunity to air their concerns.
A memorandum detailing the plight of common folks was delivered by the Cachar Deputy Commissioner to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on behalf of the group. The document explained the problems with prepaid smart metres and requested that the Chief Minister take action to stop their rollout.
