CPI(M) Launches Signature Drive Against Smart Meters in Tirupati

Quick Summary

• The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) organized a signature collection drive in Tirupati, Andhra pradesh, opposing the installation of smart prepaid electricity meters.
• Adani Transmission Step Seven Limited has begun replacing old meters wiht smart prepaid devices across two crore households in the state.
• CPM representatives claim that Adani employees are installing these meters without homeowners’ consent.
• CPI Executive Member N.D. Ravi highlighted conflicting instructions from government officials: Energy Minister gottipati Ravikumar advised against installations without public consent, while chief Secretary K. vidyanand allegedly directed officials to expedite meter installations.
• The CPM argues that smart meter implementation will led to excessive financial burdens on citizens and accuses corporations of exploiting people through advance payments totaling ₹23 lakh crore.

Image: CPM city secretary K. Venugopal collecting signatures at Yashoda Nagar Community Hall in Tirupati | Photo Credit: K.V. poornachandra Kumar

Indian Opinion Analysis
The ongoing public opposition to smart prepaid electricity meters represents a complex conflict between technological modernization and community concerns over economic impacts and procedural transparency in Andhra Pradesh’s energy sector. On one side, proponents argue that smart metering can enhance efficiency and accountability within power usage systems; however, opposition groups like CPM question its affordability, accessibility for marginalized communities, and private corporate involvement without adequate public consultation.

Conflicting directives from government leadership reflect underlying disorganization or differing priorities regarding implementing such large-scale projects-highlighting the importance of resolving these governance inconsistencies before proceeding further to avoid eroding public trust further.

The protests underline broader concerns about equitable access to services amid growing privatization trends potentially reshaping India’s utility landscape-a balance policymakers must carefully navigate while addressing people’s apprehensions through proper engagement mechanisms.

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