The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has strongly objected to the premature introduction of prepaid electricity billing system in Kiphire district, citing the socio-economic vulnerability of the local population.

In a representation to the Executive Engineer, Department of Power, the USSC appreciated the Department’s progressive strides towards digitalizing and systematic reform within the power distribution framework across the state. It also appreciated the ongoing technological enhancements aimed at fostering administrative transparency and operational efficiency.

However, it disapproved and expressed concerns over the proposed deployment of the prepaid meter system, given the prevailing socio-economic fragility of its populace. It said the imposition of such monetized consumption model without adequate groundwork or adaptive measures would disproportionately disadvantage the already marginalized and economically disenfranchised segments of the people.

USSC vice president, Suropi Sangtam and assistant general secretary, Longtsase Sangtam viewed that any contemplation of institution such methods must be predicted upon its demonstrable success in other comparatively stable districts. “It is only upon through empirical assessment, systematic validation and social receptiveness elsewhere, can any discourse on its prospective introduction be entertained with legitimacy,” it stated.

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The Conference maintained that the said prepaid metering system is incongruous with the present socio-economic temperament of the district and must be indefinitely deferred.

“We trust the department will give due cognizance to this representation and act with sensitivity to the ground realities of the district, prioritizing the collective welfare of its residents, ” the USSC said.