BJP seeks clarity on installation of pre-paid power meters

ITANAGAR: The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh today demanded the state government to come out clear on the ongoing installation of pre-paid electric meters in the state capitals which has created confusion among the people.

"The state government should clarify its stand through a white paper on the terms and conditions of the contract awarded to the company installing pre-paid meters and on the expenditure to be incurred in the entire process," party's Chief Spokesman R K Khrimey told reporters here.

He said, the party was not against the new technology but wondered on the manner the state government hurriedly took the decision which was too early for a young state like Arunachal.

The basic idea was to stop power pilferage that cost the state exchequer but there was public outcry over rise of power rent, he said.

"If the government is so serious to lessen power pilferage, the department should first install such meters at the residences of governor, chief ministers, minister, MLAs and top bureaucrats and technocrats on trial basis to convince the common people," he said.

Demanding for a immediate halt in the ongoing process, Khrimey said that the party would soon meet the governor seeking his intervention on the issue.

The state power department has launched the pilot project in the state capital from November 10 last with a total cost of 85 crore, including maintenance charge for a period of five years to be paid to the Udaipur-based Secure Energy Meter Limited, the implementing agency.

The department had inked a MoU with the company during February last.

So far a total of 600 meters have been installed and the department is targeting to cover 3000 consumers by March next.