CPI(M) concerned over financial crisis in the Himachal State Electricity Board

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Himachal Pradesh has expressed a serious concern over the crisis that has emerged in the Electricity Board and employees and pensioners are on strike since last three days for their salary and pensions.

The State Secretary of CPI(M) Dr. Onkar Shad demanded immediate release of salary and pension to their employees and pensioners also demanded the state government to resolve the issue in proper manner.

 This is failure of the board management as well as the state government and sheer mismanagement. CPI(M) stands with the struggle of employees and pensioners and demands if the issue is not resolved in timely party can also plan to join the movement.

The State Secretary of CPI(M) Dr. Onkar Shad, further stated that Congress in state and BJP in center is shamelessly promoting privatization in electricity sector very aggressively and for that they are also promoting such crises willfully. 

The concept of smart metering is the latest move by shifting to prepaid from the traditional metering process which is successfully working in the state and country. 

More than 1.5 Lakh smart meters have already been installed in the areas of MC Shimla and Dharamshala. The cost of meter is around Rs. 8.000-10.000 which is to be charged from the consumers on a monthly installment basis. 

The life of this smart meter is not more than 8-9 years and after that new meter must be installed and this process will continue. This is the one modus operandi to protect the interest of private companies by governments by looting the poor consumers.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Himachal Pradesh has urged the electricity consumers in the state say no for the installation of smart meters.

 It has very grave consequences today employees are on strike tomorrow consumers has to come.