Tripura CM Manik Saha urges opposition parties to offer constructive criticism amid statewide protests over smart electric meters. While CPI(M) and Congress allege anti-consumer motives, the state government defends the initiative, citing technical benefits. A task force and investigation have been launched to address public concerns and transparency.
Amid widespread protests by opposition parties over the installation of smart electric meters across Tripura, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has called for responsible and constructive criticism. The CM addressed the media on Thursday, emphasizing that the government is open to discussion and correction, but urged political parties to engage in a realistic and fact-based dialogue.
Protests, primarily led by the CPI(M) and Congress, have intensified over the past two weeks, with opposition leaders calling the smart electric meters “anti-consumer” and alleging that the project is a precursor to the privatisation of the state’s power sector.
Speaking to reporters, CM Saha said, “We always expect constructive criticism from the opposition. If there are mistakes or shortcomings, we are ready to correct them as we have done in the past. But criticism should be based on facts and understanding of the current situation.”
The Chief Minister confirmed that he has already discussed the issue with Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath. The minister, in turn, has made several public statements explaining the technical advantages of smart electric meters and why they are essential for modernising the state’s power infrastructure.
“We have spoken with the stakeholders and the opposition on various matters, and we’ve always taken corrective measures when needed. But it is important to understand the larger picture,” added Saha.
The installation of smart meters in consumer households has triggered political unrest across Tripura. The CPI(M) and Congress have claimed that these meters are unreliable, prone to manipulation, and part of a larger agenda to pave the way for privatisation in the power sector. Jitendra Chaudhury, Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) State Secretary, said, “These smart meters are anti-consumer and anti-poor. This is the first step towards privatisation, and the people of Tripura will not accept it.”
In response to the growing backlash, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has formed a four-member task force to look into the controversy. Power Minister Nath has also ordered a full-fledged investigation after multiple consumers alleged discrepancies in billing and meter performance.
According to officials, around 89,632 smart electric meters have been installed in Tripura as of July 2025. These meters are part of a larger project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and aligned with the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at modernising and streamlining power distribution across the state.
TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu earlier said, “Smart meters are part of a transformative initiative under the RDSS. These devices offer multiple benefits such as real-time energy monitoring, accurate billing, energy theft detection, and consumer empowerment.”
He added that these meters also aim to reduce the losses incurred by manual readings and billing errors, thereby improving overall efficiency and accountability.
Despite the government’s assurances, opposition parties continue to mobilize public opinion against the initiative. Protest rallies, human chains, and sit-ins have been organised across various districts, demanding an immediate halt to the installation of new meters and a rollback of the increased power tariff.
In the wake of public pressure, the government is now trying to strike a balance between technological advancement and public trust. While officials reaffirm the benefits of smart electric meters, they also acknowledge the need for transparency, awareness campaigns, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
As the political debate continues to intensify, CM Manik Saha has appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from spreading misinformation and instead focus on collaborative discussions that serve the best interest of the public.
“The government is not here to suppress concerns but to listen and respond with solutions. We urge the opposition to look at the situation objectively and work with us for the development of Tripura,” he said.
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The coming weeks are likely to witness further developments as the task force begins its investigation and the government gears up for another round of public outreach to clarify its position.
