Government clarifies pre-paid power meter policy. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated in Lok Sabha that installing pre-paid electricity meters is not mandatory for consumers. The government rejected claims that it was forcing citizens to adopt pre-paid systems like private companies do. However, serial defaulters who consistently avoid paying electricity bills will be required to switch to pre-paid meters to mitigate non-payment risks. The minister acknowledged concerns from poor farmers dependent on daily earnings and confirmed that flexible recharge options for five to ten day periods are available. Power companies operate on commercial principles and require revenue generation to sustain electricity supply to consumers across the nation.
