Outside Agencies Engaged in Tripura Even for Meter Inspection and Maintenance Work, TSECL Order Raises Questions

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 25, 2026

The engagement of an outside agency for inspection, maintenance and replacement of electricity meter-related equipment in Agartala has raised questions over the scope being given to private agencies for field-level works that could potentially be undertaken by local manpower and departmental staff.

According to an authorization issued by the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), personnel of Vitran Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. and Aradhana Agency (JV) have been permitted to carry out inspection, maintenance, replacement and associated field activities relating to existing JNJ NIC modules installed in JNJ meters at consumer premises under the jurisdiction of Electrical Sub-Division-II (ESD-II), Banamalipur.

The document, issued from ESD-II, Banamalipur, Agartala, states that the authorization has been granted for activities connected with the functioning, verification and system integration of the meters.

The authorization cites the fact that the meters have been in operation for more than seven years and says that their quality and calibration need to be evaluated to ensure accurate functioning and proper working condition.

The authorized agency has consequently been permitted to undertake field activities in the ESD-II area.

The listed responsibilities include:

Visiting consumer premises for inspection, verification, maintenance and replacement of single-phase and three-phase meters.

Carrying out technical activities including checking, servicing, replacement, configuration and activation of NIC modules.

Coordinating with Sub-Division officials, linemen, meter readers and other field staff.

Accessing meter installations and related infrastructure for official purposes.

Recording information, capturing photographs and updating field data as required for official documentation.

The authorization further directs consumers, field officials and other concerned personnel to extend cooperation to representatives of the agency during execution of the work.

The authorization has brought into focus the wider issue of outside agencies being engaged even for relatively small and routine field-level electricity works in Tripura.

While the document describes the activities as technical and connected with meter verification, maintenance and replacement, questions may arise as to whether such work could be performed through existing TSECL personnel or local technical manpower, particularly when the activities involve visiting consumer premises, checking meters, recording data and coordinating with departmental field staff.

The document itself does not state the financial value of the assignment, the tendering process through which the agency was selected, or the remuneration payable to the joint venture.

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