Power sector employees protest privatisation in Chandigarh, UP

The Haryana Power Engineers Association (HPEA) held a protest meeting to oppose the privatisation of the electricity department in Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, calling it unfair and unconstitutional. The meeting, chaired by HPEA president Baljeet Beniwal, was part of a nationwide demonstration led by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE).

Hisar Zonal president Ashish Modi condemned the temporary transfer of Assistant Linemen (ALMs) and Linemen (LMs) from Kurukshetra Circle to Chandigarh, demanding the immediate cancellation of the move. The suspension of SDO Vicky Ahlawat in Sonepat was also discussed, with members arguing that he was wrongly suspended for a one-minute interruption during Republic Day rehearsals, which was actually due to a faulty speaker system, not a power supply failure.

Senior vice-president Saluddin Kagadana criticised the Centre’s intervention in electricity boards, accusing officials of manipulating statistics to justify privatisation. He warned that selling essential services to private companies at throwaway prices in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan would result in uncontrolled electricity tariff hikes, disproportionately affecting the poor, labourers and farmers.

Kagadana also alleged that the Chandigarh administration was using ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) to suppress protests, filing FIRs against electricity workers, officials and even Resident Welfare Association members who opposed privatisation. He further claimed that mass layoffs were being carried out under the guise of a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), reflecting an authoritarian approach.

HPEA leader VK Gupta revealed that the Chandigarh administration is expected to hand over its power department to a private company in early February, while in Uttar Pradesh, plans are underway to privatise two electricity distribution companies (Discoms). Additionally, Rajasthan is pushing forward with the privatisation of its thermal power plants under so-called Joint Ventures.

The HPEA vowed to continue opposing privatisation, warning that it would increase tariffs, reduce job security and put electricity services beyond the reach of common citizens.