Report by Mazdoor Ekta Committee (MEC) correspondent
A mahapadav (grand sit-in) was organized on 15 July at the Hanumangarh (Rajasthan) Collectorate in protest against the installation of smart meters in homes without the consent of the general public. During the event, a memorandum was also submitted to the Chief Minister.
The memorandum stated that the common people are being looted through smart meters. Smart meters are being installed in consumers’ homes as part of a conspiracy to benefit private companies.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers warned that if the installation of these meters is not stopped, the movement will be intensified across the state. They said that the installation of these meters in Hanumangarh and throughout Rajasthan is not providing any benefits to consumers; rather, their electricity bills have increased by 10% to 15%. Complaints about smart meters have also been received from Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, and Fatehpur. Despite this, consumers’ grievances are not being addressed anywhere.
Hanuman Prasad Sharma, All India Vice President of Lok Raj Sangathan, said that this is happening not only in Hanumangarh district or Rajasthan. The central government intends to install smart meters in 25 crore homes by 2025, after which these will be converted into prepaid meters. Basic necessities like electricity should not be seen as a source of profit. Providing all people, without exception, with essential needs at reasonable rates and of good quality is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the government. All parties of the capitalists ruling at the center and in the states are refusing to fulfill this basic responsibility. He called on everyone—electricity employees, workers, and farmers—to unite and build a popular movement against smart meters.
The speakers explained that the government’s plan to install smart meters is actually a scheme for smart loot. Private companies are preparing to loot consumers through the prepaid system. Full control of the chip installed in these meters will remain with private companies. In the future, consumers will have to recharge smart meters like mobile phones. If, for any reason, the recharge is not done, electricity supply will be cut off.
Many worker and farmer leaders, including former MLA Balwan Puniya, shared their views at the meeting. Despite heavy rainfall during the event, people remained steadfast in front of the Collectorate and unanimously reaffirmed their resolution not to allow the installation of smart meters anywhere in the district.
It was announced that on 30 July, protests will be held at every tehsil in the district to express opposition. Before 30 July, awareness will be raised through street corner meetings in villages and hamlets. On 26 July, a meeting will be held in Sikar to prepare for a statewide movement in Rajasthan against the installation of smart meters. Everyone was urged to participate in large numbers in that program.