Dimapur stakeholders oppose power prepaid metering system

Various stakeholders in Dimapur district have opposed to the implementation of pre-metre system

May 20, 2025

Nagaland

Officials of Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation, GBs’ Union Dimapur Sadar and Dimapur District GBs’ Association during a press conference in Dimapur on Tuesday.
DIMAPUR — Various stakeholders in Dimapur district have opposed to the implementation of pre-metre system claiming that the system was not feasible.
This was made cleared during a meeting of the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), GBs’ Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUD) and Dimapur District GBs’ Association (DDGBA) held at Ducan council hall in Dimapur on Tuesday.
Briefing media persons after the meeting, president of the Dimapur District GBs’ Association, K Hokuto Zhimomi, stated that the prepaid metering system was introduced in 2024 in the Marwari Patti and commercial areas of Dimapur. He, however, expressed concerns that the government's plan to expand the system to 16,000 units across Dimapur within a gap of one year by 2025 might not be feasible.

Zhimomi clarified that the three associations are not opposing the government but are appealing for necessary groundwork before implementing the prepaid metering system. He demanded that the department should replace the old transformer in 97 colonies, install properly electric poles and upgrade the aluminum wiring to ensure a smooth and effective rollout of the system.

Stating that the associations are not opposed to the Power department’s plan to implement the prepaid metering system, he has appealed to the department to take into consideration the plight of underprivileged and financially weaker sections of society while implementing the system.

Also read: Nagaland introduces major structural reforms to customary courts

#Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation #GBs’ Union Dimapur Sadar #Dimapur District GBs’ Association

Popular Articles

He added that although there are 17 districts in the state, the prepaid metering system is being implemented only in Dimapur. In this regard, he appealed to the Home Commissioner and the State Cabinet to prioritise implementation of prepaid meters in all the government offices, industrial set up and commercial establishment within Dimapur before rolling it out to the public.
“Till date, the prepaid metering system has not been implemented in the major institutions mentioned; and upon inquiry, it was revealed that some department have outstanding electricity bills pending,” Zhimomi alleged.
He strongly felt that the prepaid metering system should first be implemented in those locations before extending to the public.
“The Power department is planning to expand the prepaid metering system to 16,000 units in Dimapur. However, whether privatising the system will actually lead to increased revenue remains uncertain, a question that only the department can answer,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the DUCCF vice president, Wojamo Yanthan, has questioned the logic in singling out Dimapur for implementation of pre-paid metering system out of the 17 districts in Nagaland.
He clarified that the prepaid metering system, which is a directive from the central government, should first be installed in government offices, industries and other government buildings.
“Installation in public areas is to be completed by March 2025 in accordance with the central government’s timeline,” Yanthan said.
In this context, Yanthan questioned whether the government has completed the installation in the government sector as required. He was of the opinion that that the public would accept pre-paid metering system only after successful implementation in government institutions.
The members have requested the department to avoid enforcing prepaid meter installation by force in residential colonies, as it could lead to misunderstandings.
The president of DUCCF, Zasivikho Zakiesato, reiterated that they do not oppose prepaid metering as the same have been installed most of the shops. He has urged the government to properly educate and sensitise the public about the system.
On the issues of sanitation fee, which was revised from INR 60 to INR 80, the president of the Dimapur District GBs’ Association has alleged lack of transparency.
Addressing concerns surrounding the Midland Council issue, the finance secretary of DUCFF, Akusu Zeliang, clarified that the matter had earlier been resolved following thorough deliberations between members of the DUCFF and the Midland Colony Council. He stated that the council had already been formed after mutual understanding between the two bodies.
Regarding issue on Government Middle School, Zeliang mentioned that further discussions with the council are expected and added that the DUCCF was committed to engaging constructively.
He added that a formal request would be made to the Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) to allow Midland Council some time to stabilise and establish a firm ground position. He also confirmed that the same fact-finding committee would continue to investigate the issue concerning Government Middle School (GMS) Midland.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

Nagaland Districts

Popular Sections

News

OPINIONS

Others

Eastern Mirror