Nagaland: Dimapur CSOs flag ‘forced’prepaid power meter installation

Dimapur-based civil society organisations (CSOs) including Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA) and GB Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS) have expressed concern over the power department’s actions of “forcibly installing” prepaid meters in the houses of a few domestic users.
In a press release, committee convenor Dr. Kahuka Chishi and general secretary Yanbothung Kikon, GB, said that the fact-finding committee on prepaid power meters in Nagaland, comprising representatives from DUCCF, DDGBA, and GBUDS, had recommended the government to prioritize three key areas: 1) Improvement of power infrastructure, 2) Installation of prepaid meters primarily in government offices, institutions, and commercial establishments, and 3) Allow the domestic users the choice to opt for either prepaid or postpaid meters.
However, the committee said that contrary to its recommendations, the power department’s recent measures did not align with the its guidance.
The committee said that such “unilateral approach” disregarded its suggestions and raised concerns about respecting citizens’ rights, particularly the right to freedom of choice, enabling homeowners and residents to select the metering system that best suits their needs.
Further, the committee maintained that such a departure from the committee’s “well-considered” recommendations not only ignored expert advice but also risked provoking public unrest.
The committee has, therefore, appealed to the state government and the department of power to show sympathy and understanding toward the affected citizens, to listen carefully to their voices, reconsider the policy approach, align their actions with the committee’s recommendations, and reaffirm the people’s right to choose their preferred metering system with dignity and respect.