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Key Points

Tripura CM Manik Saha has called for constructive criticism from opposition parties regarding smart electric meters. The opposition, led by CPI(M) and Congress, has been protesting the installations, calling them anti-consumer. The state government has formed a task force to address concerns and investigate fraud allegations. Over 89,000 smart meters have been installed as part of infrastructure modernization efforts.

Key Points: Tripura CM Manik Saha Seeks Constructive Criticism on Smart Meters

  • CM Saha defends smart meters amid opposition protests
  • Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath explains technical benefits
  • CPI(M) and Congress allege privatization agenda
  • TSECL forms task force to address disputes
2 min read

Smart electric meters row: Tripura CM urges opposition to offer constructive criticism

Tripura CM urges opposition to offer constructive feedback on smart electric meters amid protests, defends modernization efforts.

"Opposition must understand the reality of the changing situation – Manik Saha"

Agartala, July 17

Amid the controversies and statewide protests by the opposition parties against the installation of smart electric meters in the premises of consumers, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday urged the political parties to understand the reality and make constructive criticism.

The Chief Minister said that he has already talked with Power Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, over the issue, and the minister has also explained in detail publicly about the smart electric meters and their technical benefits to the consumers. “We always expect constructive criticism from the opposition parties. If there are any mistakes and loopholes, we have corrected our faults previously. Opposition must understand the reality of the changing situation,” Saha told the media.

He said that the government talked about many issues with the opposition parties and concerned stakeholders, and necessary corrective measures were taken, if needed.

Opposition CPI (M) and the Congress have been organising massive protests across Tripura for the past two weeks, protesting against the installation of smart electric meters and the recent increase in electricity tariff. Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, who is also the state Secretary of CPI (M), claimed that the installation of “anti-consumer smart electric meters” is a first step towards the privatisation of the power sector.

Meanwhile, the state government-owned Tripura State Electricity Corporation (TSECL) has formed a four-member task force to deal with the controversy and dispute involving the smart electric meters. Power Minister Nath has ordered a full-fledged investigation into the fraudulent acts after a section of people raised allegations against TSECL and smart meters.

Around 89,632 smart meters have been installed till July 2025, said a TSECL official. TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu earlier said that the TSECL, in alignment with the Centre's RDSS and under the Asian Development Bank-funded projects, has taken significant strides in modernising the state's power infrastructure through the installation of smart meters.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My neighbor got a smart meter last month and his bill doubled overnight! 😡 How is this benefiting consumers? Government needs to audit these meters properly before forcing them on people.
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Aman W
While modernization is good, the timing is suspicious. Electricity tariffs have increased and now smart meters? Feels like common people are being squeezed from all sides. Government should phase this properly.
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Sarah B
As someone who's lived in countries with smart meters, I can say they're actually great when implemented correctly. But the government needs proper consumer education programs - most protests come from lack of understanding.
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Karthik V
Why is opposition always against development? Smart meters will reduce power theft which costs our nation billions. But yes, government must ensure no faulty meters are installed and proper grievance redressal is there.
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Nisha Z
Instead of protests, opposition should work with government to improve implementation. But CM sahab, please don't dismiss all criticism as 'non-constructive'. Some concerns about meter accuracy are valid and need testing.

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