Team Goemkarponn
Panaji:Goa Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has defended the rollout of smart meters in the state, stating that the initiative is part of a nationwide reform plan under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
Responding to concerns raised by civil society groups opposing the installation, Dhavalikar said the government is implementing the project in line with Central guidelines, with a majority of the financial support coming from the Centre. He clarified that the move is not a state-specific decision but part of a broader national policy aimed at strengthening the power distribution system.
Addressing calls for wider public consultation, the Minister said many people are not fully aware of how smart meters function. He added that the government has already studied the system before proceeding and stressed that implementation should not be delayed due to lack of understanding or opposition without technical basis.
Dhavalikar further maintained that the decision falls within a structured policy framework and does not require a separate debate at the state level, as it is being executed in accordance with central directives.
He said the rollout will continue as planned, with the Centre bearing a significant portion of the cost under the RDSS scheme, aimed at modernising the power sector across the country.
