Rythu Sangham opposes smart meters, third discom

Metro India News | KHAMMAM

Telangana Rythu Sangham leaders alleged that the State government is trying to weaken the power sector in line with the Centre’s power reform policies and warned of farmer protests against the proposed installation of smart meters for agricultural power systems and transformers.

Speaking at a farmers’ meeting in Kurnavalli village on Saturday, Khammam district secretary Bonthu Rambabu and senior leader Bhaskar Rao alleged that the government plans to establish a third power distribution company under “Rythu DISCOM” through GO 44. The meeting was chaired by Sathupalli division president Nallamothu Mohan Rao.

The leaders claimed the proposed DISCOM would bring agricultural and subsidised electricity supply sectors under its control. They alleged the government could later portray free power to agriculture as a financial burden and eventually withdraw the scheme.

They further accused the State government of implementing the Centre’s power sector reforms and said approval for the third DISCOM was granted quickly as part of the process.

According to the leaders, the main aim of the new DISCOM is to introduce smart meters for agricultural electricity systems and transformers. They warned that farmers using free electricity for motors, lift irrigation schemes and Mission Bhagiratha could face heavy losses in the future.

The leaders urged farmers to intensify protests against the electricity reforms and raise their voice on land-related issues and rising input costs.