Installation of smart meters nothing short of a catastrophe for people: Bhalla
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STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla accompanied by Yogesh Sawhney, Kanta Baan, Pranav Shagotra on Friday led strong protest organized by Manmohan Singh to express their opposition to the installation of smart meters, citing concerns about their ability to afford the increased tariffs based on smart meter readings.
Protesters denounced the unilateral and unnecessary actions of the Jammu Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) in installing the meters.
Prominent among those present on the occasion include Vijay Shastri, Uttam Singh, Rajesh Sharma, Vijay Malhotra, Pawan Dev Singh, Kewal Krishan Yogi, Dr Ramankant Khajuria, Atul Sharma, Chander Shekhar Sharma besides others.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla voiced the frustration of many by stating, “People of Jammu have been diligently paying their electricity bills, but suddenly they appeared out of nowhere, cutting off the power supply and installing these meters. They are not financially capable of paying the tariffs based on meter readings. We are not against the idea, but shouldn’t the authorities consider the people’s ability to pay?”
He claimed that people from the unprivileged section wouldn’t be able to make their both ends meet if they spend their earnings on power bills.
Bhalla condemned the move as “sheer injustice” inflicted upon the people. “This is nothing short of high-handedness. They are already grappling with numerous challenges, and this will only make their lives more difficult,” he remarked. “The Government is making them face hardships. Many work tirelessly in the private sector to earn their livelihoods, yet the Government fails to consider their hardships. The installation of smart meters is nothing short of a catastrophe for them,” asserted Bhalla.He further lamented the lack of employment opportunities for educated youth while burdening the poor. He emphasized the pressing need for authorities to address their grievances and take their concerns into serious consideration.
