Agartala, 9th August 2026: Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Sunday criticised the Tripura government over the installation of smart electricity meters and alleged that consumers are being burdened with additional charges under various heads, including fixed and service charges.
Roy Barman questioned the continuation of smart meter installations in the state despite the Centre’s reported clarification that adopting smart meters is optional for consumers and that existing meters can continue to be used.
He claimed that people in Tripura were earlier informed that smart meters were mandatory. However, according to him, the Union Power Minister subsequently stated in Parliament that consumers could choose whether to install smart meters. “If smart meters are optional, why is the process of installing them still being continued in Tripura?” he questioned.
The Congress MLA also alleged that electricity bills have increased substantially due to additional charges. He claimed that consumers who earlier paid around Rs 500–600 per month are now receiving bills of up to Rs 1,500, while those whose bills were around Rs 1,500 are now being charged between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500.
“This is not compatible with people’s income or livelihood. Prices of essential commodities are rising, while the purchasing power of people is declining. Where will the common people go in such a situation?” Roy Barman said.
He urged Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha to immediately discuss the matter with the Power Minister and take steps to provide relief to consumers. He also demanded the withdrawal of unnecessary and additional charges imposed on electricity consumers.
Roy Barman further alleged that auto-rickshaw drivers are also facing pressure, with traffic authorities imposing fines and allegedly setting targets for penalty collection.
According to the Congress MLA, rising electricity costs, taxes, fines and the increasing prices of essential commodities are collectively creating an additional financial burden on ordinary people.
“Whether the government is on the back foot or the front foot is not the question. Our demand is very clear — the people who voted for this government must be given relief,” he said.
Roy Barman called upon the state government to withdraw excessive and unnecessary charges and take corrective measures at the earliest. He warned that public resentment could grow further if the issues are not addressed promptly.
