CPI(M) seeks judicial probe into agricultural smart meter payments
CPI(M) leader V. Srinivasa Rao has called for a judicial inquiry into the ₹2,500 crore agricultural smart meter project in Andhra Pradesh. He alleges financial irregularities and questions the high termination compensation paid to contractors.
Why it matters
The demand for an inquiry into public spending on infrastructure projects highlights concerns over transparency and fiscal management in state power sectors.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao has demanded a judicial inquiry into payments of nearly ₹2,500 crore made in connection with the agricultural smart meter project and sought recovery of any amount found to have been paid illegally.
Addressing a press conference at the M.B. Vignana Kendram here on Sunday along with party State secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the three power distribution companies had together paid nearly ₹2,500 crore towards meters, allied equipment, software and other components of the project.
Separately, he alleged that the previous YSR Congress Party government had paid around ₹1,800 crore to Shirdi Sai Electricals before the meters were installed, while the present coalition government had paid ₹764 crore as compensation for terminating the contract.
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