Pre-paid meter: Panel submit recommendations

Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA) and GB Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS) jointly organised a meeting on the issue of smart pre-paid metering at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, on Saturday.
Over 300 leaders from different colony/village councils under Dimapur attended the meeting, which deliberated on the implementation of smart pre-paid metering system in Dimapur.
Addressing media after the meeting, DUCCF president, Zasivikho Zakiesato, informed that the fact-finding committee on implementation of prepaid smart meters presented its report at the meeting.
Fact-finding committee convener and chairman of United Colony, Dr. Kahuka Sema, said the committee officially submitted its findings and placed three recommendations—(1) phase-wise installation of prepaid smart meters by focusing on government offices and institutions, industries and commercial properties; (2) domestic consumers continue to have the choice of opting for either prepaid smart meter or to continue with the existing meter; (3) immediate improvement of infrastructure and robust customer care services.
On the notification issued by Commissioner, Nagaland directing the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur to ensure enforcement of prepaid metering and take action against opposing GBs, DUCCF president said the federation had already appraised the administration to revoke the order. He said the meeting also reaffirmed the resolution to demand revocation of the order and affirmed that the three organisations would stand by the recommendations of the fact-finding committee.
Further, Zakiesato clarified that the issue was not about opposing the state government but about ensuring transparency. He said replacement of meters should be free of cost and cited instances where consumers were charged Rs.300 to Rs.500 for replacement. He also expressed concern over whether existing infrastructure such as wires, conductors and transformers would be compatible with prepaid meters.
According to him, the power department had expressed inability to undertake necessary infrastructure upgrades due to financial constraints. Asked about the possible steps if the department undertook forceful implementation, Zakiesato warned that it could lead to misunderstanding and non-cooperation from the public, though he expressed hope such a situation would not arise.
DDGBA general secretary, Nieba Keseizie, maintained that grievances could be taken up through democratic means, including the court of law. He said the department should also take into account the views of consumers. Keseizie, however, clarified that the organisations were neither instigating nor preventing anyone from accepting prepaid meters but were compelled to take up the issue owing to widespread public concern.
Meanwhile, commenting on the notification issued by the commissioner of Nagaland, GBUDS president, W. Kholie Kapfo, remarked that though GBs were agents of the administration, they were first and foremost recommended by their colonies to be their voice. Therefore, he pointed out that they have to listen to both the public and the state government.
Kapfo said the public had entrusted them to voice their concern regarding the pre-paid metering. He clarified that the organisations were not against government policy but were raising concerns of the people, and would take into account the concerns of both parties. He appealed to the state government to reconsider and revoke the notification.