Punjab farm unions threaten stir

The Krantikari Kisan Union has threatened to launch a protest across Punjab against the move to install smart meters. In a statement, Dr Darshan Pal said the move was aimed at benefiting corporate houses and forcing the common man to pay more for power consumed. He was referring to a report, wherein the Centre has threatened to withhold power reform funds meant for Punjab in case the state failed to replace 85,000 meters of consumers with prepaid smart meters. He said while some corporate houses would benefit from the move, nearly 15,00,000 agriculture pump set consumers would oppose it as they would have to bear additional cost. He urged all political parties to join hands and start a joint agitation.