Steps towards privatization, Warning of mass movement
DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Oct 3
Preparations are underway to deal a severe blow to the people already struggling with inflation, economic recession, unemployment, and natural disasters with the prepaid electricity system. This is another step of the government towards loot and privatization. The National Conference government’s promise of free electricity has also proven to be a mere slogan, stated by Manish Sahni, President Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit.
Led by party State President Manish Sahni, Shiv Sainiks gathered at Indira Chowk in Jammu, holding placards reading “No prepaid – fulfill the promise of free electricity” and “Prepaid system – a move towards privatization,” and held a strong protest, burning effigies of smart and prepaid meters.
Party state chief Manish Sahni said that during the elections and in its manifesto, the NC had promised the public 200 units of free electricity. Almost a year has passed since the formation of the government. Far from fulfilling the promise of free electricity, preparations are underway to rob the public by implementing a prepaid system. Approximately 3.5 lakh meters have been converted to prepaid mode, and prepaid collections are reportedly scheduled to begin in November.
Sahni said that the prepaid system is a step towards electricity privatization. He said that Jammu and Kashmir is a major producer of electricity and its people have the primary right to the electricity generated here.
Sahni said that the prepaid system will force people to rely entirely on smart phones and Android phones. People in villages and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir do not have smart phones or Android phones. Cases of cyber fraud using prepaid meters have also surfaced.
Sahani has appealed to all political and social organizations, especially the public, to come out on the streets in solidarity.
Sahani has urged legislators serving the public interest to raise this issue with fervor in the upcoming assembly session and exert pressure for its cancellation. On this occasion Meenakshi Bakshi, Sanjeev Kohli, Vikas Bakshi, Raju Kapoor, Aditya Mahajan, Vinod Verma, Jasbir Singh, Ganesh Kumar, Dheeraj Kohli, and Rakesh Kohli and many others were present.
