Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, May 26: A delegation of the Indian National Congress led by Amit Patkar on Monday visited Vidyut Bhavan and demanded the scrapping of smart electricity meters, alleging lack of accountability in their implementation and raising concerns voiced by consumers.

The delegation claimed that several consumers have reported unusually high electricity bills over the past three months and urged the government to reduce power charges.

Congress leaders warned that the party would launch a mega agitation if the smart meter project is not withdrawn.

Responding to the criticism, Sudin Dhavalikar defended the rollout, stating that smart meter implementation has been underway across the country for the past two-and-a-half years.

He accused the Congress of attempting to politicise the issue in an election year and questioned why the party had not opposed smart meters in states where it is currently in power.

Dhavalikar maintained that the smart meter programme is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at modernising electricity distribution and improving efficiency.