- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 23 May 2025 12:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to take strict action against power corporation employees planning to conduct an indefinite strike from May 29, protesting the privatisation of electricity supply in 42 districts of Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam.
Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh held a video conference with district magistrates (DMs) and police officials on Thursday, emphasising the government's commitment to implementing the privatisation decision. The Power Corporation also issued an advisory warning of stringent measures against any disruption to power supply.
In the hour-long video conference, the Chief Secretary instructed DMs to meet with the power employees and address their concerns, assuring them that their interests would be protected after privatisation. He also directed officials to take strict action against striking employees while ensuring uninterrupted power supply to residents.
The corporation's advisory to its employees warned of strict departmental and legal action against those participating in the strike. It emphasised that electricity is an essential service and any disruption is unacceptable. The advisory stated that any attempt to disrupt power supply would be met with severe consequences.
Employees were urged not to participate in the strike or any related activities. The advisory also cautioned against holding protests or demonstrations in government offices and inciting other employees. It warned that any unrest would be dealt with firmly. The advisory serves as a notice and will be documented in employees' personal files, potentially affecting their promotions.
The advisory also mentioned prior instances of the employees' union inciting strikes, leading to unrest. The Allahabad High Court had taken suo moto cognisance of the disruption caused by previous strikes and issued a strict order on March 17, 2023. The government has also prohibited strikes in various power corporations under ESMA.
Despite this, the union continues to protest and create an environment conducive to strikes, violating employee conduct rules. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad has questioned the power corporation's privatisation process, citing Section 131 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which states that the government cannot proceed with privatisation after already establishing power companies.