SKM Supports Odisha Farmers Boycotting Prepaid Smart Meters, Opposes Power Privatisation

New Delhi, November 16, 2024 – The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a prominent farmers’ body, has extended its support to farmers in Odisha who are boycotting the installation of prepaid smart meters and protesting the privatisation of electricity distribution, which has been handed over to Tata Power.

In a statement issued on Friday, SKM expressed its concern over Tata Power’s actions, claiming that the company’s installation of prepaid smart meters was in violation of an agreement made by the Narendra Modi-led government on December 9, 2020. According to SKM, the government had assured that discussions would be held with farmers’ unions before moving forward with the privatisation of electricity distribution and the installation of such meters.

SKM, which has been vocal about various issues affecting farmers, stated that it stands in solidarity with the Odisha farmers who are resisting the new system. They argued that the introduction of prepaid meters would add financial burden on farmers and undermine their rights.

The SKM has also demanded that the government provide 300 units of free electricity per month to farming families across the country, a move they argue would alleviate the financial strain caused by the rising costs of agricultural inputs and energy.

“The installation of prepaid meters and the privatisation of electricity distribution are not in the best interest of the farmers. We stand firmly with the farmers in Odisha who are protesting against these policies,” SKM spokesperson said in the statement.

Farmers in Odisha, particularly those in rural areas, have expressed fears that prepaid meters will lead to arbitrary billing and excessive charges, making it harder for them to manage their energy consumption and related costs. The installation of such meters has also sparked concerns about the reliability and transparency of the system.

The demand for 300 free electricity units per month has been a longstanding issue for farmers across India, with SKM and other farmer organisations arguing that such measures are necessary to reduce the economic burden on the agricultural community.

Key Highlights:

• SKM supports Odisha farmers boycotting prepaid smart meters installed by Tata Power.
• Farmers’ protest against the privatisation of electricity distribution and unfair billing practices.
• SKM demands 300 units of free electricity per month for farming families.
• Tata Power under scrutiny for allegedly violating agreements made by the central government regarding electricity privatisation.

The situation in Odisha has gained national attention as it highlights the growing concerns about the privatisation of public utilities and its impact on vulnerable communities, especially farmers who rely heavily on electricity for irrigation and other agricultural activities.