Assam: AASU protests against APDCL smart meter charges

Dibrugarh: The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) staged a spirited protest in Dibrugarh on Tuesday, condemning the exorbitant charges levied by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) through its newly implemented smart meter system.

The students' body organized a symbolic funeral procession of the power minister, a stark visual representation of their frustration with the government's handling of the issue.

"The smart meters are nothing short of a financial burden on the people of Assam," asserted an AASU leader. "They charge exorbitant rates, leaving us with no choice but to protest against this injustice."

Armed with posters and placards, the protesters chanted slogans demanding the immediate removal of the smart meters and the restoration of fair and affordable electricity tariffs.

"We demand uninterrupted and reliable power supply without the added burden of excessive charges," the leader said. "The people of Assam cannot be exploited in the name of modernization," he said.

Assam is one of several states that have adopted the prepaid digital smart meter system as part of the Revamped Distribution sector scheme (RDSS).

The APDCL is responsible for the implementation and oversight of this system, which has been divided into six packages for efficient execution.