Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent
On 24 January 2025, local leaders of the opposition party Shiv Sena (UBT) submitted a letter to the Chief Executive Engineer of Mahavitaran (Maharashtra discom) in Karad town of Satara, Maharashtra, opposing the smart meter policy and warning about an agitation unless smart meter installation is stopped.
Smart meters are being installed in various states under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the central government. According to the RDSS, states have to install smart meters for all ordinary electricity consumers, farmers, small traders, and businesses from 1 April 2025. The opposition party strongly opposed this policy and demanded that all forceful installation of smart meters should be stopped. Otherwise, consumers will be forced to organize a fierce agitation against the policies of the central and state governments and the Mahavitaran company, which are harming consumers and only benefiting private companies.
The letter mentions that the then Energy Minister of Maharashtra had declared in the parliament that smart meters will first be installed in government and semi-government offices. Only after studying their effects will the government consider providing these meters for ordinary consumers and small businesses. Even so, smart meters are being forced upon consumers today. This process should be stopped immediately or it will be considered contempt of the parliament and a violation of rights.
The letter clearly states that electricity is an essential service, and providing 24/7 power supply at reasonable rates is the duty of any government that works for public welfare. No company should have the right to loot consumers by turning this service into a business.