West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to introduce pre-paid smart meters for all electricity consumers across the state in phases. The initiative involves four private companies handling installation and maintenance. Initially targeting government institutions, schools, and employees, the program faced backlash from domestic consumers who reported significant increases in electricity bills. Protests emerged, particularly in Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and East Burdwan districts, leading to legal action and public complaints. The previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government had begun implementing smart meters in 2024, but the current administration halted new installations for domestic users in June 2025, allowing them to switch back to traditional meters. Similar issues have occurred in BJP-led states like Uttar Pradesh.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the introduction of smart meters as a positive step toward efficiency and transparency, emphasizing the government’s efforts to combat power theft. It highlights the opposition from Leftist groups and references past instances where similar measures were implemented without 'bad'
Why factuality (85): The article reports the announcement by Chief Minister Adhikari regarding the introduction of smart meters in phases, citing four private companies involved. It mentions past actions by the TMC government and references consumer complaints about increased bills. The information aligns with cross-sou
Why objectivity (70): The article presents the CM's statements and includes quotes from him, but it also frames the issue in a way that suggests political motivations, particularly mentioning Leftist influence and referencing past protests. This introduces some bias, though it remains within the bounds of reporting.




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