USSC opposes ‘premature’ implementation of prepaid power billing in Kiphire

DIMAPUR — The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has opposed the proposed “premature” introduction of prepaid electricity billing in Kiphire district, stating that such a move would disproportionately affect the district’s economically vulnerable population.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Engineer of Power in Kiphire, the USSC acknowledged the department’s move toward digitalisation and systematic reform across the state’s power sector.

It welcomed the department’s efforts to promote administrative transparency and operational efficiency through technological upgrades.

However, the student body expressed deep concern over the plan to implement the prepaid electricity metering system in Kiphire without adequate groundwork or adaptive measures.

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The USSC warned that such a “monetised consumption model”, if enforced under current conditions, would unduly burden already marginalised communities.

“The conference is of the view that any contemplation of instituting 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,” the statement read.

The USSC stressed that any introduction of such mechanisms should be based on proven success in more socio-economically stable districts.

Asserting that the proposed system is out of sync with the current realities of the district, the USSC urged the department of Power to indefinitely defer the initiative. It appealed to the authorities to approach the issue with sensitivity and to prioritise the welfare of the district’s residents.