Copies of power Bill burnt in peaceful protests

A series of coordinated but peaceful protests were held across region on Monday as multiple unions, farmer organisations and pensioners’ bodies voiced strong opposition to the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Demonstrations were reported from Phagwara, Nawanshahr and several locations in Kapurthala district, with participants burning copies of the Bill and accusing the Centre of pushing towards privatisation of the power sector.

In Phagwara, activists of the Technical Service Union (TSU), Powercom, Transco Theka Mulazam Union, Taraksheel Society and the Pensioners Association (Punjab State Power and Transmission Corporation Limited) staged a dharna outside the PSPCL office on Banga Road led by TSU Division president Hans Raj. They condemned the proposed amendments, claiming these would adversely affect employees and consumers alike. The gathering dispersed peacefully without any law-and-order issues.

A similar protest was held in Nawanshahr, where activists, led by AIKS district president Charanjit Singh Daulatpur and CPI/ML-ND district secretary Jasveer Singh Deep, assembled. Demonstrators burned copies of the Electricity Amendment Act 2025, alleging that the legislation aimed to centralise control, dismantle state electricity boards and ultimately pave the way for widespread privatisation.

Speakers warned that the welfare provision of 300 free electricity units for households would be scrapped, delivering a “body blow” to poor consumers and farmers. The protest concluded peacefully. In Kapurthala district, multiple farmer groups organised separate sit-ins targeting local PSPCL offices.

At the Circle Office near Aujla Railway Crossing, members of KKU/Dudhike and BKU/Dakaunda (Dhaner group) led by district presidents Balwinder Singh Bhullar and Harjinder Singh Rana held a dharna for three hours. The demonstration remained calm, with no disturbances reported.

Earlier in the day, members under the leadership of Tarsem Singh Bananal, Dhilwan general secretary, held a protest outside the PSPCL office near the Miani bus stand at Dhilwan, where they also burned copies of the Bill.

A similar protest was staged at Sultanpur Lodhi where activists led by Harjinder Singh, block general secretary, registered their opposition to the legislation and also resorted to burning the Bill copies. Both gatherings dispersed without incident.