MAPUSA
The Assagao villagers on Sunday came out strongly against the proposed electricity tariff hike and the installation of smart meters, terming the move an attempt by the government to harass and financially burden the common man.
At the Sunday gram sabha, locals unanimously demanded that the government withdraw plans to install smart meters in the village, pointing out that the existing meters were replaced barely six years ago.
Villagers recalled that the power department had then cited power theft and leakage as reasons for the change and questioned why the same justification was being repeated now.
Several villagers alleged that the new proposal could be linked to “underhand dealings” and “kickbacks.”
Local resident Owen Braganza said, “The government is always anti-people. First, they asked us to remove meters from inside our homes and install them outside. Now, they say smart meters will be fitted and power tariffs will be hiked. These decisions are framed by people who have no practical knowledge, only to trouble the common man.”
He further demanded that the government focus on recovering huge pending arrears before burdening honest consumers with new expenses.
The gram sabha also witnessed sharp criticism of the PWD (Public Works Department) over repeated and poorly executed road-digging works in the village.
Villagers noted that the PWD’s water department had begun digging up a road stretch for the second time in two years to replace what it claimed was a faulty pipeline.
A two-kilometre stretch is reportedly being dug without any intimation to the panchayat. Braganza informed the meeting that when he approached the Anjuna Police seeking action against the contractor and JCB operator for commencing work without a valid order, Anjuna PI Suraj Gawas refused to intervene, stating that it was beyond his jurisdiction.
The villagers expressed deep dissatisfaction with the police response, calling it “yet another example of lawlessness in the State.”
Other issues such as irregular garbage collection and the growing stray cattle menace were also discussed at length.
The gram sabha concluded with members urging authorities to ensure accountability and better coordination among government departments.
