Seeks explanation from Dept on forced rollout
PANAJI
Goa’s simmering smart meter row has now reached the Human Rights Commission, with the quasi-judicial body stepping into the controversy after reports of public anger over alleged forced rollout of the new meter system.
In a suo motu intervention , the Commission said the government’s insistence on mandatory installation of smart meters prima facie raises issues linked to human rights concerns and sought an explanation from the Electricity Department.
The Commission has issued notice to the Chief Electrical Engineer and directed a response during a hearing fixed for June 2.
The order follows weeks of escalating friction between residents and authorities over Goa’s Rs 900-crore smart meter project, which has turned into a political and public flashpoint.
Several places have witnessed residents openly opposing the installation teams, alleging that consumers are being pressured into accepting prepaid smart meters without adequate consultation.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media in recent days showed residents attempting to stop installations, while activists accused officials of arriving with police support to carry out the work.
The issue has also drawn a sharper political edge, with the Aam Aadmi Party repeatedly targeting the government over the rollout. Opposition leaders have questioned the need for replacing existing digital meters and alleged that consumers may eventually face higher bills and reduced control over electricity usage under a prepaid regime.
Despite the backlash, the State government has shown little sign of slowing down the exercise, with Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar maintaining that smart meters are part of a modernisation drive.
