Why are Haryana Power workers protesting online transfer policy
Say policy is not employee friendly & was introduced without proper talks
Electricity Department employees in Haryana have launched protests against the state government’s proposed online transfer policy. Workers from the Haryana State Electricity Board and power corporations say the policy is harmful to employees and risky for technical staff. Demonstrations, symbolic hunger strikes and memorandum submissions have been organised in Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ratia and other areas. Unions allege that the policy was implemented without proper consultation and does not suit a technical and high-risk department like electricity. They warn it could affect workers’ safety, power services and revenue recovery.
What is online transfer policy?
The online transfer policy is a system under which an employee transfers will be carried out digitally. The Haryana Government and power utility management plan to include Electricity Department staff under this system. The workers fear that this may result in frequent and automatic transfers, including the technical and field staff who work on live power lines, maintenance and fault repair.
Why are electricity workers opposing the policy?
Workers and unions say the policy is not employee friendly and was introduced without proper talks. They argue that electricity work is technical and dangerous, and sudden transfers can disturb both work efficiency and personal life. Union leaders say the policy ignores ground realities and treats electricity staff like office-based employees.
What safety concerns have the unions raised?
Unions warn that transferring technical staff to unfamiliar areas can be life-threatening. Field workers need deep local knowledge of power networks, feeders and fault-prone locations. Lack of familiarity may lead to accidents. Frequent transfers, they say, also may increase mental stress and pressure on employees and their families.
How could the policy affect power services and revenue?
According to union leaders, the employees posted for short periods may struggle to identify defaulting consumers due to poor local knowledge. This could weaken electricity bill recovery and cause revenue losses to power corporations. The workers also fear that consumer services will suffer as staff will need time to understand new areas after every transfer.
What protests have taken place and what is next?
Protests have been organised in Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ratia and other subdivisions. The workers held demonstrations, submitted memorandums to senior officials and observed three-hour symbolic hunger strikes from 11 am to 2 pm. The union leaders have warned that if the policy is not withdrawn, protests will be intensified in the coming days.
