In a surprising turn of events, the West Bengal government has decided to halt the installation of smart meters across the state, reverting to the traditional post-paid billing system for electricity. This decision comes in the wake of complaints and concerns raised by citizens regarding the implementation of smart meters, which were initially introduced as part of a pilot project under central government directives.
Electricity minister Arup Biswas announced this decision during a recent assembly session, stating that even homes where smart meters had already been installed would revert to the old metering system. the move has sparked a flurry of reactions, particularly from opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, who accused the government of corruption, alleging that kickbacks were involved in the smart metre contracts. Adhikari further argued that while smart meters could potentially enhance revenue, they might also lead to a decline in voter support, prompting the government to reconsider its approach.
this shift back to traditional metering reflects a broader sentiment among the populace, who have expressed skepticism about the benefits of smart technology in their daily lives. As the government navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and addressing public concerns, all while balancing the demands of modernization with the realities of voter sentiment.
