Assam Tea Tribes Protest Smart Meters, Demand Replacement in Seven Days

The Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA) took to the streets, voicing strong opposition against the recent implementation of smart meters across various districts in Assam. Over 100 members of the organization staged the protest, expressing their frustration and demanding immediate action from the state government. The primary demand was for the replacement of the smart meters, which they believe are causing financial burdens on the tea tribe community. The protesters have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to respond to their grievances.

The protest, led by ATTSA, specifically called out Assam’s Chief Minister and Power Minister for their role in the decision to introduce smart meters in households. According to the protesters, the new meters have led to higher electricity bills, which many in the tea tribe community find difficult to manage. They argue that the decision to implement these meters was made without proper consultation with the affected communities, who already face economic challenges.

One of the protesters, who has been actively involved in the movement, stated that the introduction of smart meters has disproportionately impacted families with limited financial resources. “Our community is already struggling with basic necessities. The smart meters have only added to our burdens,” he said, emphasizing the need for the state government to understand the plight of the tea tribes. He further criticized the lack of transparency in the process of rolling out the new meters, which, according to him, were installed without any prior discussion with the local community leaders.

Many of the protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, urging the Chief Minister and Power Minister to take immediate action. They demanded that the government address the issue within a week and replace the meters with a more affordable and transparent system. They warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to intensified protests across the state. “We won’t remain silent if our demands are ignored. This is an issue that affects our survival,” one of the leading members of ATTSA remarked during the demonstration.

The association’s concerns stem not only from the financial impact of the smart meters but also from their lack of reliability. Several members of the tea tribe community have reported inaccuracies in the readings, resulting in inflated bills. Many claim they were shocked by sudden surges in their electricity expenses after the installation of the new meters. “Before the smart meters, our bills were manageable. Now, we are being forced to pay amounts that make no sense,” said a tea garden worker who was part of the protest.

ATTSA leaders have also highlighted the broader issue of neglect faced by the tea tribe community. They believe that the smart meter issue is just one example of how government policies are implemented without considering the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. “This is not just about electricity bills. It’s about how decisions are made that affect our lives without our consent,” said one of the senior members of ATTSA.

The association has made it clear that they are not against technological advancements, but they demand that such changes should not come at the cost of the community’s well-being. They are calling for a review of the smart meter system and the introduction of a more transparent billing process that reflects the actual consumption of electricity. “We want fairness. If the government believes smart meters are the future, they need to ensure that they benefit everyone, not just a select few,” a protester said.

The Assam government, on its part, has yet to issue an official response to the protest. However, sources within the administration suggest that the issue is being reviewed. Some officials have indicated that the smart meter system was introduced to improve transparency and efficiency in electricity billing, but they have acknowledged that there may be initial issues that need to be addressed.

As the seven-day ultimatum draws closer, the tea tribe community and the broader public will be watching closely to see how the government responds. For ATTSA and its members, this protest is about more than just smart meters—it’s about ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are respected. Whether or not the government will take swift action remains to be seen, but the protest has undoubtedly brought attention to the challenges faced by Assam’s tea tribe community.