Socio-political activist Elvis Gomes, along with Amar Gaonkar and Sandesh Timblo under the banner of Citizens for Democracy, launched a sharp critique of Goa’s Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar over the state’s push to install smart electricity meters.
The group questioned the government’s approach and called on the Minister to lead by example by installing the devices in his own residence and those of all 40 MLAs.
The remarks come in response to Dhavalikar’s recent statement that the general public “lacks study” on smart meters while he has a firm understanding of the subject. Gomes countered this claim with a direct challenge.
“If the Minister is so confident about the benefits and safety of these devices, let him lead by example,” Gomes stated. “We challenge the Minister to publicly disclose whether he, his family members, all sitting MLAs, and high-ranking government officers have installed these smart meters in their own residences. The government should not treat the common man as a laboratory for schemes they haven’t adopted themselves.”
The activists clarified that their opposition is not to the technology itself but to what they described as coercive implementation methods. Gomes referred to statements made by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Parliament, asserting that smart meter installation cannot be forced upon consumers.
According to the group, the decision to upgrade to smart meters must remain entirely with consumers. They alleged that the state government is bypassing democratic norms by ignoring individual consent and prioritising the interests of private electricity distribution companies over the welfare of Goan citizens.
Citing provisions of the Electricity Act, Gomes warned against any attempts at unauthorised entry into private properties by contractors linked to the ₹890 crore project.
“Any attempt by officials or contractors to enter private premises for forced installation without explicit consent will be viewed as a violation of law,” Gomes said. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and advised them to file formal complaints of criminal trespass in case of forced entry. “The Union minister has cleared all doubts in Parliament itself. There can be no forced installation where there is no consent.”
The briefing concluded with a call for a public debate on the smart meter rollout, covering its technical, legal and financial implications.
“Instead of patronizing the public by saying they haven’t ‘studied’ the issue, the Minister should defend his policy in an open forum,” the leaders stated.
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