Tata Power smart meter row: Protesting Odisha farmers accuse TPWODL of irregularities

Odisha's Deputy CM KV Singh Deo warned of strict action against removing electricity meters, yet farmers protested by dumping smart meters at TPWODL's Bargarh office. Supported by Sanjukta Krushak Sangathan, they marched with an eight-point demand list to the BDO of Bheden. Farmer leader Ramesh Mahapatra was labeled a habitual offender for his protest role.

TPWODL office in Bargarh

Tata Power smart meter row

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Even though Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo has warned of stringent action against those removing electricity meters from their homes, hundreds of farmers dumped the smart meters outside Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) office in Bargarh accusing the DISCOM of ignoring their concerns.

The farmers and locals under the banner of Sanjukta Krushak Sangathan took out a massive rally on Monday. They submitted an eight-point charter of demands to the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bheden addressing the Chief Minister.

According to sources, the farmers have highlighted their grievances against the power distribution company in their memorandum. The agitators later marched towards the office of the TPWODL sub-divisional officer (SDO) in Bheden and dumped the smart meters outside as a mark of a protest against the company.

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Meanwhile, the district administration has served a notice to Ramesh Mahapatra, a farmer leader, dubbing him a habitual offender for his involvement in the protests in the last four years.

“The company has ignored the complaints of the farmers and consumers which forced them to launch the protest," said Narendra Bhoi, Legal advisor of Sanjukta Krushak Sangathan as quoted by The New Indian Express.

No comments from TPWODL could be obtained on the matter.

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