Tripura Congress holds protest against hike in electricity tariff

The agitating members met the TESCL authorities and submitted a memorandum, warning of intensifying the protest if the hike is not taken back.

Tripura Congress on Wednesday held a protest rally in the capital city of Agartala against the recent power tariff hike in the state. Congress members gathered in front of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited office and shouted slogans against the Power Minister and the Corporation.

The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) implemented a 5 to 7 percent hike in power tariffs, which came into effect from October 1.

The agitating members said that in several non-BJP-ruled states, consumers are entitled to free electricity up to a certain usage limit. In contrast, consumers in Tripura are not only devoid of free power but also forced to pay higher tariffs.

The Congress leaders added that the government’s recent decision to further hike the tariffs, citing increase in international gas prices, has added to the financial burden of consumers.

Later, the agitating members met the TESCL authorities and submitted a memorandum, warning of intensifying the protest if the hike is not rolled back.

Leading the protest, Senior Congress leader and former councillor Prabir Chakraborty criticized the government for raising electricity tariffs without considering the impact on the people, especially in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area, where wealth tax has seen a significant surge.

Chakraborty pointed out that the state government raised power tariffs at a time when the public is grappling with meeting their daily needs. The common people are suffering, and Tripura’s electricity meter charges are notably higher. He urged a reconsideration of the tariff hike in light of the prevailing economic difficulties faced by the people in the state.

Chakraborty questioned why the “double engine” government of Tripura could not provide free electricity like several other states. The protesters also decried frequent power cuts, which are causing disruptions for households and businesses across the state.

Chakraborty pointed out that the state government raised power tariffs at a time when the public is grappling to meet their daily needs.

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