Title: Money being taken, people want to get rid of smart meters: Kishor
In a recent statement, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor expressed his concerns over the smart meter system implemented in Bihar. According to Kishor, people in the state are eager to get rid of the smart meters due to the unfair and exploitative manner in which electricity bills are being calculated and collected.
Kishor stated that the prepaid meters being installed in people’s homes are resulting in a significant amount of money being taken from the poor and the needy. He went on to say that the prepaid meters are designed in such a way that there is no provision for any errors or adjustments, making it difficult for people to correct any mistakes that may occur.
The Jan Suraaj founder also pointed out that the state ministers and government officials do not have prepaid meters installed in their homes. Instead, they are provided with regular electricity connections, which suggests that the smart meter system is only being implemented to target the poor and the vulnerable.
Kishor’s statement comes as a wake-up call to the government and the electricity department, which have been implementing the smart meter system in various parts of the state. The system is designed to provide real-time information on electricity consumption and to allow consumers to pay their bills online. However, Kishor’s statement suggests that the system is being misused by the authorities to take advantage of the poor and the needy.
The prepaid meters being installed in people’s homes are designed to deduct a fixed amount of money from the consumer’s account every month. However, Kishor claims that the system is being manipulated by the authorities to deduct more money than what is actually due. This has resulted in many people facing difficulties in paying their electricity bills, leading to their electricity being cut off.
The Jan Suraaj founder also pointed out that the prepaid meters are not only causing financial difficulties for people but also creating social problems. Many people are facing difficulties in paying their electricity bills due to the high rates being charged by the electricity department. This has resulted in a significant number of people being unable to access basic amenities such as lighting, refrigeration, and cooking.
Kishor’s statement has sparked a heated debate in the state, with many people expressing their concerns over the smart meter system. Many have taken to social media to express their anger and frustration over the system, which they believe is being used to exploit the poor and the needy.
In response to the controversy, the electricity department has issued a statement saying that the smart meter system is being implemented to provide better services to consumers. The department has also assured that the system is being designed to provide real-time information on electricity consumption and to allow consumers to pay their bills online.
However, Kishor’s statement has raised serious questions over the fairness and transparency of the smart meter system. Many people are calling for the system to be scrapped and for alternative solutions to be found to ensure that people are not exploited.
In conclusion, Kishor’s statement highlights the need for the government and the electricity department to review the smart meter system and to ensure that it is fair and transparent. The system should be designed to provide better services to consumers, rather than being used to exploit the poor and the needy.
News Source:
https://x.com/ANI/status/1944028663852286420
