Power Sector Employees to Go on Nationwide Strike on July 9 Against Privatisation
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In a major protest move, over 27 lakh electricity department employees and engineers across India will go on a nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, to strongly oppose the privatisation of power distribution in 42 districts of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The decision was announced by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCEEE) after their recent meeting in Delhi. According to the announcement, district-level protests will begin on July 2, ahead of the full strike. These protests are being organised to build momentum and public support against the privatisation plan.
Why Are Power Employees Protesting?
The protest is mainly against the UP government’s proposal to privatise electricity distribution in 42 districts. According to Shailendra Dubey, Chairman of the All-India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) and a senior trade union leader from UP, the NCCEEE has warned that even floating a tender for privatisation would trigger a symbolic nationwide strike.
The committee is urging the Central Government to stop the privatisation process in the interest of the public. They say it will hurt farmers, poor households, and rural families who depend on subsidised or reliable electricity services.
Public Convention in Lucknow on June 22
The NCCEEE will also participate in a mass convention in Lucknow on June 22, 2025, where the leaders may announce a larger public campaign against power privatisation in the state.
The committee appreciated the 194-day-long peaceful protest by electricity workers in UP and condemned the alleged suppression by the state power corporation. They warned that if the government continues to suppress voices, it could lead to an even stronger nationwide protest.
Government’s Response: Ban on Strikes
In response to the ongoing unrest, the Uttar Pradesh government has banned strikes in the power sector for six months under the Maintenance of Essential Services Act (MESA). The ban order was issued on June 6, 2025, to prevent disruptions in electricity supply and maintain essential services in the state.
