By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh, Umang Singhar, launched a scathing attack on the state and central governments over the Smart Meter Project, terming it a “national security and privacy threat” allegedly involving foreign—particularly Pakistani—connections and large-scale misuse of public funds.
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Singhar claimed that the so-called “Smart Meters” are, in effect, “Spy Meters” being used to monitor citizens’ data and daily life. He demanded immediate clarification from both governments on the companies involved, their links, and the potential breach of sensitive personal information.
According to Singhar, only 18% of smart meters have been installed across Madhya Pradesh despite an outlay exceeding ₹2,000 crore. He accused the state’s DISCOMs of granting major contracts to companies such as Alfanar (Saudi Arabia), EsyaSoft (Dubai), and Landis & Gyr, despite allegations of irregularities and blacklisting in other states.
He further revealed that Alfanar’s project officials—Zahir Iqbal Shah and Naeem Abbas—are Pakistani nationals, and the firm signed an MoU with Pakistan’s government in 2024 to establish an Overseas Employment Corporation, raising red flags under DPIIT’s national security regulations.
Citing risks of cyberattacks—including data theft, spoofing, and malware infiltration—Singhar warned that each smart meter could act as a potential “entry point” into India’s national grid.
Singhar concluded by demanding a comprehensive probe into all contracts, data handling practices, and foreign partnerships involved in the Smart Meter Mission, saying, “This is not just about electricity bills—it is about the privacy, economy, and sovereignty of India.”
