Smart meter drive triggers anger in Banganga:Women question installations without notice; Congress backs residents seeking transparency and accountability from officials

A tense situation develops in Bhopal’s Banganga area after women strongly oppose the installation of smart electricity meters. On Friday, contract workers of the electricity department reached the area to install new meters, but local women stopped them and asked why the meters were being installed without taking their permission. Women told the workers that many meters had already been changed without informing families. They also claimed that workers even installed meters in houses that were locked. Congress workers also joined the protest. Shoaib Khan, Congress President of Ward 24, said residents were being pressured and even threatened to accept smart meters. He added that the electricity company should have explained the process to people before installing the new meters, but no such effort was made. Similar protests were seen in Pratap Nagar, Hasnath Nagar, Dussehra Maidan and two other areas, where women stood in front of workers to stop the meter installation. Work to install meters stopped after protest
After the protest by the people, the work of installing meters here has been temporarily stopped. The employees also returned. However, they also said that meters will definitely be installed. They are being installed throughout the city. Former minister PC Sharma also raised objections regarding smart meters. Continuous protests in Bhopal against smart meters
Continuous protests are being held in the capital Bhopal against smart meters. About 2 months ago, a protest was held at Shahjahani Park under the banner of Madhya Pradesh Electricity Consumers Association (MECA). Consumers from across the state had gathered there. They had also put forward 11 demands before the government, such as providing 200 units of free electricity to consumers and reducing electricity rates. Reason for protest