Kolkata, July 22 -- West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Tuesday that the state power department will introduce pre-paid smart meters for all electricity consumers in phases.

"We have started in small phases with government institutions, government schools and government employees. There are a lot of misconceptions. It is mostly (spread) by the Leftists. They did it in Tripura too. But Tripura has introduced smart meters. There has been no negative impact," Adhikari said while launching a mobile application designed to report power theft.

"Even I had my opinion (about smart meters) when I was the leader of the opposition. I suggested a slow approach and discussions with people. When people are convinced that there is...