The Power Corporation management in Uttar Pradesh is at odds with electricity workers over the privatization of Purvanchal and Dakshinchal electricity distribution companies. The Vidyut Karamchari Samyukta Sangharsh Samiti has announced a statewide protest starting Saturday, December 7, with demonstrations planned across the state. Further strategies will be decided in protest meetings. Meanwhile, the management is actively working to prevent the agitation. Control rooms have been set up in all districts, and activities of employee organizations are under surveillance.
Management’s Countermeasures
- Outsourcing agencies have been warned to keep their employees away from the protest. Participation by outsourced workers could lead to termination of their services.
- Surveillance has been arranged to monitor personnel joining the protest.
- Officers and employees are barred from taking leave, and those on leave are being called back.
- District officers have been instructed to seek assistance from District Magistrates and Police Captains to manage the situation.
Nationwide Solidarity and Planned Protests
The Sangharsh Samiti stated that on December 6, protests were held at district headquarters across the country (excluding Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand) to oppose the privatization of electricity services in UP. Around 27 lakh electricity workers participated and urged the UP government to roll back the privatization decision. Protests in UP and Uttarakhand are scheduled for December 7, during lunch breaks.
Allegations Against Management
The Samiti accused the Power Corporation management of creating unnecessary industrial unrest and forcing a strike on electricity employees. Key concerns include:
- Setting up a strike control room specifically for the protests.
- Regular video conferences led by the chairman to handle strike scenarios.
- Informing district officials about potential strikes despite no formal strike notice being issued.
The Samiti argued that the management’s actions reflect indifference to the interests of both employees and consumers.
Call for Government Intervention
The Sangharsh Samiti has appealed to the state’s Energy Minister to protect workers’ democratic rights to protest and to stop the privatization proposal. They highlighted that the December 5 approval for privatization of the Purvanchal and Dakshinchal distribution companies was unlawful and a violation of earlier agreements, further escalating industrial unrest.
Support from Labor Unions
Several labor unions in the state have voiced support for electricity workers. In a joint statement, top officials of labor unions urged the state government to withdraw the privatization decision for the benefit of workers and the public.
Labor unions declared their full support for the protests, emphasizing the importance of addressing industrial unrest. A joint meeting chaired by senior employee leader JN Tiwari saw participation from multiple organizations, including:
- State Employee Joint Council UP
- AICCTU
- AITUC
- CITU
- UP State Employees Federation
- UP Retired Employees and Pensioners Association
Conclusion
The protest against privatization has garnered widespread support from workers and unions across the country. The escalating tensions between management and electricity workers highlight the need for immediate government intervention to resolve the issue and ensure industrial harmony in the state’s energy sector.
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