In a strong show of protest against the proposed electricity tariff hike in Chhattisgarh, the district units of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Hindustan Steel Employees Union, affiliated with CITU, jointly organised a demonstration near the CSPDCL office at Sector-1 underbridge in Bhilai. Following the protest, a memorandum addressed to the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) was submitted to the Assistant Engineer of the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed tariff hike scheduled to be implemented from July 2026.

 

Addressing the gathering, speakers strongly criticised the proposed increase, stating that it would impose an additional financial burden on the public already struggling with rising prices of essential commodities such as food, education, healthcare, and transportation. The demonstrators also raised concerns regarding smart meters, alleging that consumers have reported higher electricity bills, discrepancies in consumption data, and billing irregularities after their installation. They argued that increasing tariffs without addressing these grievances would be unjust and demanded a fair investigation into the complaints before any revision of rates.

 

They reiterated that electricity services should prioritize public welfare rather than profit generation. The protest concluded with a strong demand for the immediate rollback of the proposed tariff hike. Warning of intensified agitation, they stated that if the government fails to withdraw the proposal, a widespread public movement would be launched. The protest was led by S.P. De, Secretary of the CPI(M) Durg District Committee, and T. Jogarao, General Secretary of the Hindustan Steel Employees Union (CITU), Bhilai. They appealed to the public to unite against what they termed an anti-people decision.