Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent
On 16th of January, 2025, a Citizens Rights Group, Ghar Haqq Sangharsh Samiti (GHSS) held a meeting in Belapur, Navi Mumbai to oppose the plans of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to install smart meters in Navi Mumbai. The meeting also discussed the issues of housing of affected people of Navi Mumbai. Dozens of people participated, mostly women, coming from far off places such as Panvel, Ghansoli, Turbhe, Kharghar etc. The meeting was chaired by Khajamiya Patel and Sujeet Ghaisas, leaders of GHSS.
Dr. A. Mathew, Convenor of All India Forum Against Privatisation (AIFAP) and Comrade Kusum, Joint Secretary, Kamgar Ekta Committee were invited to explain about the smart meter project.
Dr. Mathew explained that all over India, the Central Government was trying to implement smart meters as a first step towards privatisation of electricity. Wherever smart meters were introduced such as in Bihar, Kashmir etc, the electricity bills increased. People there are protesting against these smart meters.
Now in Maharashtra after the elections, the capitalists are implementing their agenda of privatisation. In Maharashtra also there have been various protests by consumers and electricity workers. Dr. Mathew said the citizens of Navi Mumbai also must oppose smart meters.
Com. Kusum said it is good to see so many women participating in the meeting. Women form 50% of the population and only if they come out of their homes there can be change in society.
Shri Nerurkar, Branch Secretary, GHSS, Ghansoli said a few days back he found that MSEDCL people removed the old meters from his area and started installing smart meters. When he went to the MSEDCL office and asked them why they are doing it, they told him they have got orders from higher ups. He said we must all oppose smart meters.
The organisers thanked Dr. Mathew and Comrade Kusum and resolved that GHSS would actively oppose smart meter installation in Navi Mumbai along with other groups of citizens.
