Goa, Aug. 4 -- Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao and Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira recently raised concerns over the financial implications of Goa's ambitious smart meter rollout during a calling attention motion on Monday. They pointed out that while the project's total estimated cost stands at Rs.890 crore, the government plans to recover Rs.820 crore directly from consumers. Alemao argued that instead of burdening the public with higher tariffs, authorities should first prioritise collecting the Rs.600 crore in unpaid dues that remain outstanding from existing consumers. He stressed that recovering these arrears would be a fairer and more practical step to stabilise the power sector's finances.

Responding to these concerns, Power Min...