By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Tata Power entered Odisha’s electricity distribution sector in 2020 through joint ventures with the state government, taking over four distribution companies (DISCOMs): TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL), TP Western Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPWODL), TP Southern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPSODL), and TP Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPNODL).
This was part of a privatization push to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and ensure reliable supply after years of state-run inefficiencies. By 2025, Tata Power claimed to have achieved near-24/7 supply for about 9.9 million consumers, turned around losses into profits (Rs 279 crore in H1 FY26), and installed smart meters on around 20% of connections. However, this transition has sparked widespread public discontent, manifesting in protests over billing practices, service quality, and perceived exploitation.
Key Causes of Public Protests
Protests against Tata Power in Odisha stem from a mix of economic, service-related, and ideological grievances. Here’s a breakdown:
Additional Security Deposits (ASD): Tata Power has been collecting ASD on electricity bills, justified as a statutory requirement under the Electricity Act, 2003, and regulated by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). In 2024-25, they credited Rs 217.29 crore in interest to consumers at 6.5%.However, consumers view it as an unfair burden, especially amid rising costs. The Odisha State Power Consumer Forum labeled it “anti-people,” while opposition parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress demanded its withdrawal. Protests included demonstrations outside Tata offices, with incidents of smart meters being broken in districts like Salipur, Dhenkanal, and Puri.
Smart Meter Installations: Prepaid smart meters have been a flashpoint, with allegations of inflated bills, forced installations without consent, and financial exploitation. In Bargarh district, over 15,000 farmers voluntarily removed meters in November 2024, boycotting them as part of a broader anti-privatization movement. Critics argue that while the government generates power and installs meters, Tata collects rental charges, leading to claims of favoritism worth Rs 6,000 crores. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) supported these farmers, demanding 300 units of free electricity monthly.
Tariff Hikes and Billing Irregularities: Proposals for tariff increases in March 2025 triggered protests by groups like the Odisha Bidyut Upabhokta Mahasangha. Consumers reported excessive bills, with one viral incident in July 2025 showing a man assaulting a Tata employee over pending dues. Opposition figures like Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das accused Tata of exploiting consumers via ASD and smart meters.
Poor Service Quality: Frequent unscheduled outages, low voltage (e.g., 134V complaints), and delayed responses are common.Districts like Cuttack, Berhampur, and Kendrapara saw repeated complaints. In Dhenkanal, a 12-hour bandh was observed in November 2025 against “arbitrary actions.Even BJP workers protested unscheduled cuts in Berhampur.
Broader Anti-Privatization Sentiment: Groups like the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) oppose privatization, citing Odisha’s “failed experiment” three times, with Tata’s involvement criticized for poor consumer service.
Timeline of Major Protests:
November 2024: Farmers in Bargarh remove smart meters; SKM extends support.
March 2025: Protests against tariff hikes in Bhubaneswar.
April 2025: Power engineers protest cadre restructuring disparities.
July-August 2025: Assault on employee; low voltage complaints escalate.
September-October 2025: Frequent outages spark individual protests; communal tensions noted but unrelated.
November 2025: 12-hour bandh in Dhenkanal; dismissed employees protest in Puri.
December 2025: BJD and Congress protests against ASD; Youth Congress demonstrations.
January 2026: Continued complaints; artificial protests alleged in some cases.
Public sentiment reflects frustration, with hashtags like #TATAPower and calls to oust Tata from Odisha. Opposition parties have politicized the issue, with BJD submitting memorandums and Congress locking offices.
Mohan Charan Majhi Government’s Position: Mohan Charan Majhi’s BJP government, in power since June 2024, has adopted a pro-business stance on Tata Power, prioritizing stable power supply and industrialization over immediate protest demands. Key aspects:
Support for Privatization and Tata Operations: The government views Tata’s role as essential for turning around the sector, with no moves to revoke licenses despite complaints. High-level meetings, including those chaired by Majhi, involve Tata in projects like transmission and battery manufacturing.Majhi has criticized the previous BJD for resource looting but supports ongoing privatization.
Response to Protests:
Repressive measures: The government has filed cases against farmer leaders like Ramesh Mohapatra, labeling them “habitual offenders.” SKM condemned this as suppression of peaceful movements. In February 2025, it enforced the Essential Services Maintenance Act to curb disruptions, emphasizing industrial stability.
No concessions on ASD or smart meters: Despite opposition demands, the government hasn’t intervened, allowing Tata to justify collections as per OERC norms.
Favoritism Allegations: Critics claim the government ignores farmers’ subsidies while funding Tata’s smart meters, prioritizing corporate interests. Majhi’s administration has urged dialogue but prioritized enforcement.
Broader Context: The government’s position aligns with BJP’s national push for privatization, viewing protests as politically motivated (for example by BJD and Congress). It has assured paddy procurement and justice delivery but sidestepped direct Tata critiques.This has fueled accusations of a “double engine” government favoring corporates, potentially eroding rural support.
Impact and Analysis
On Consumers: Protests highlight genuine hardships, with privatization improving supply metrics but at the cost of affordability and trust. Rural areas, especially farmers, feel marginalized.
Political Ramifications: Opposition gains traction, with BJD and Congress leading protests, potentially challenging BJP in future elections. Even BJP workers have protested, indicating internal friction.
Power Sector: Tata’s profits contrast with consumer complaints, suggesting a disconnect. AIPEF’s warnings of nationwide agitation underscore privatization risks.
Substantiated Critique: While protests are valid, some appear opportunistic (like timed with Tata’s project announcements). The government’s firm stance may stabilize the sector long-term but risks alienating voters if service doesn’t improve.
In summary, protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with privatization’s downsides, while the Majhi government positions itself as pro-development, enforcing order amid calls for dialogue. Resolution may require OERC audits, subsidies, or service reforms to balance corporate efficiency with public welfare.
