Shiv Sena protests against prepaid electricity system

Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday held a protest demonstration against the plans of the Power Development Department (PDD) to switch over to the prepaid electricity system from November.

Manish Sahni, UT chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), said that preparations are underway to deal a severe blow with the prepaid electricity system to the people already struggling with inflation, economic recession, unemployment and natural disasters.

“This is another step of the government towards loot and privatisation. The National Conference government’s promise of free electricity has also proven to be a mere slogan,” said Manish Sahni.

Led by Sahni, members of the party gathered at Indira Chowk in Jammu holding placards reading “No prepaid - fulfil the promise of free electricity” and “Prepaid system — a move towards privatisation”, held a protest and burnt effigies of prepaid meters.

Sahni said that during the elections and in its manifesto, the NC had promised the public 200 units of free electricity. “Almost a year has passed since the formation of the government. Far from fulfilling the promise of free electricity, preparations are underway to rob the public by implementing a prepaid system. Approximately 3.5 lakh meters have been converted to prepaid mode and prepaid collections are reportedly scheduled to begin in November,” said Sahni.

So far, smart meters have been installed in many parts of J&K that are billed in a monthly cycle. However after the introduction of pre-paid system, the consumers will be required to pay before the usage of electricity.