What the government considers to be in the public interest should be implemented boldly and firmly. However, many things are not happening like that here. The smart meter that the electricity board is planning to introduce is an example of this. The electricity board has been planning to implement it for some months. However, the initiative is stalled due to the objections of the board's major unions. The unions in Kerala are opposed to the reforms that have already been adopted in most states. The Centre has warned that the state will face huge financial losses if it does not implement the smart meter. By implementing the smart metre project, the state will be able to borrow another half-percentage of the gross domestic product. Due to the harsh stance of the unions, the state will lose the opportunity to borrow an additional Rs 8,200 crores. This is a loss not only for the government but also for the board.

The union is adamant that it will not allow the implementation of the smart meter project in its current form even if the government and the board suffer losses. As usual, the Minister of the Electricity Department is unsure of what to do in response to the union's strong stance. Whether it is a minister or an emperor, everyone is forced to obey the unions. The electricity minister does not have the final say on any reforms implemented in the electricity board. The final say belongs to the unions. The discussion held by Minister K Krishnankutty with the union leaders of the board on Tuesday also failed to reach a consensus. This was the second discussion of the minister with the leaders.

Today (June 15) is the last day for the state to inform the Centre about its decision. During the discussion, the minister had put forward the fact that the board will lose central assistance of Rs 2400 crore if the project is not started by approving the contract within this date. However, the discussion came to a dead end as the leaders remained adamant that the smart meter project, which is equivalent to privatizing KSEB, cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Unions are alleging that the Centre has recommended the Smart Meter project in such a way that private agencies get an upper hand. Private agencies will be handling the billing and collection of money. The meter cost will also be levied from the customers. The board has been doing this since earlier. Even if the customer pays from his own pocket and installs the meter, the board collects the monthly rent for the meter. Whether it is the electricity board or a private agency, there is no difference as far as the customer is concerned. It is unclear how the smart metre system could benefit consumers or what the disadvantages will be. Neither the board nor the unions have explained it to the people. All they know is that the board and the government have been fighting for months on one side and the employee unions on the other. No one is coming forward to tell about its advantages and disadvantages. Don't people have a right to know the facts as the smart meter is 100 percent related to the consumer? The board had appointed an expert committee to study about smart meters. Although the committee has submitted its report, the board is yet to disclose what is said in the report.