National Times Bureau :- The ongoing dispute over prepaid electricity meters in Punjab is set to intensify, as the Kisan-Mazdoor Morcha has announced a major state-wide protest on December 17 and 18. According to Sarvan Singh, a senior leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, the government’s move to impose prepaid meters has triggered widespread concern among farmers and labourers who believe the system will place an unfair financial burden on rural households.
Farmer leaders argue that prepaid meters will push already-struggling rural families into deeper hardship, as they would be forced to pay in advance for electricity that is essential for farming and domestic use. The Morcha has accused the state government of ignoring ground realities and acting under pressure from private companies.
Preparations are underway for large-scale demonstrations, with farmers expected to gather at key district headquarters and block major roads in protest. The unions have warned that if the government does not roll back the prepaid meter decision, the movement will escalate further in the coming weeks.
Sarvan Singh emphasised that this protest is not only about electricity meters but about protecting the rights of Punjab’s farmers and labourers, who are already battling rising agricultural expenses and declining incomes. He stated that the December 17–18 protest will be a decisive show of strength against what he described as “anti-people policies” of the government.
