Power corporation workers continue protest on 3rd day, seek provision of vehicles

Anil Kakkar

Sirsa, August 1
The protest by members of the All Haryana Power Corporation Workers’ Union, affiliated with the Sarv Karamchari Sangh, entered its third day today. It is being held under the leadership of Manmohan Singh, president of the city sub-unit, and Ajay Pasi, president of the industrial sub-unit. The protest is aimed at pressing the authorities to address the demands of the workers.
Manmohan said one of their key demands was the provision of vehicles for various tasks, including recovery operations, dealing with electricity theft and transporting equipment. The lack of transportation was affecting public services and causing significant difficulties for workers as they had to carry ladders on motorcycles to work on power lines and poles, he said.

Manmohan said they had sent a memorandum of demands to the SDOs of the City and Industrial subdivisions. “Despite repeated reminders, the officials have not taken any action, causing frustration among employees. The negligence of the officials and the corporation has left the workers with no choice but to protest. If the issues are not resolved soon, the workers will be forced to escalate the agitation,” he said. The union had also organised a protest at the City XEN office in Sirsa a few months ago, which led to a temporary resolution of their problems. However, the vehicles were removed shortly afterwards, prompting the current indefinite protest that began on July 30.
Union members Surjit Singh Bedi, Avinash Chandra Kamboj, Babulal, state vice-president Madanlal, circle secretary Meet Chand, city unit president Ugrasen, Binder Mann, Sunil, Lalit, secretary Gurlal Singh, Pawan Kumar, Gurpreet and other workers were present at the protest. The protesters warned of escalating their protest if the corporation and senior officials failed to redress their demands.