CPM protests hike in power rates, submits memorandum to DC

The Communist Party of India (Marxist)—CPM-- Hisar unit ,has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner regarding the recent hike in electricity rates by the Haryana Government, calling it an additional burden on the working class and middle-class power consumers. They have demanded the immediate rollback of the increased charges.

Hisar CPM leader Shakuntala Jakhar stated that the government had imposed this financial burden on the common people, who were already struggling with inflation. The electricity rates were increased by 20 to 40 paise per unit, along with an additional fixed charge of Rs 50 per kilowatt. She alleged that there was no valid reason for these hikes. Furthermore, she alleged, municipal, panchayat and fuel surcharges would also be added to the bill, making the actual costs much higher than the officially stated rates.

The CPM activists argued that the government’s electricity policies were responsible for the financial crisis in the sector. Instead of increasing its own power generation capacity, the Haryana Government was purchasing expensive electricity from private companies such as Adani, benefiting private firms at the expense of the public. The 5 per cent discount announced for prepaid smart meter users was seen as a misleading tactic.

They demanded an immediate withdrawal of the electricity tariff hike and urged the government to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to poor households. If the government fails to withdraw the hike, the CPM warned that it would launch a public campaign against the decision.

The delegation included state committee member and Hisar unit secretary Shakuntala Jakhar, Suresh Shastri, Leelu Ram, Hitesh, Surender Mann, Balraj, Naresh Gautam, Anil Sharma, Suresh Girdhar, and women leader Nirmala, among others.