Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar has strongly opposed the forced installation of smart electricity meters in Goa, demanding that the BJP-led state government prioritise consumer welfare, uninterrupted power supply and public concerns.
Patkar said the government must respect the sentiments of Goans and allow consumers the freedom to continue with the existing postpaid billing system. He cautioned against using the latest order of the Goa Human Rights Commission to proceed with installations without adequately addressing public apprehensions.
“Goans need uninterrupted power supply, not unwanted smart meters. Technology should make the lives of ordinary citizens easier, not expose them to financial uncertainty, inconvenience or harassment,” Patkar said.
He questioned the government’s insistence on proceeding with the rollout despite concerns raised by electricity consumers, stressing that technological advancement should not come at the cost of consumer choice. He urged the government to address apprehensions regarding billing practices and the implementation of the project.
Patkar emphasised that electricity is an essential service and consumers have the right to reliable power supply, transparent billing and protection from unnecessary financial burdens or inconvenience.
He also warned that the Human Rights Commission’s order should not be used as a pretext to disregard public sentiment or impose a system against consumers’ wishes. He called for greater transparency and meaningful engagement with electricity consumers before taking further steps.
Issuing a strong warning, Patkar said that if the government continued with forced smart meter installations against the wishes of Goans, the people would be compelled to launch an agitation.
“If the government chooses to ignore the voice of the people and continues with forced installations, we will be compelled to take this fight to the streets through a people’s agitation,” he asserted.
Patkar urged the government to reconsider its approach and ensure that consumers are not compelled to accept a billing system against their legitimate concerns. He reiterated that public interest, consumer choice and accountability must remain the government’s priorities.
