Failed Talks Lead to 3-Day Strike by Haryana Power Employees
The Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Struggle Front, an umbrella body of power sector workers and engineers, has announced a three-day strike beginning at 10 pm on August 10. The decision was taken after talks with the management of the state's power distribution and transmission companies failed to resolve the employees' outstanding demands.
The talks, held at Shakti Bhawan in Chandigarh, were chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Ashima Brar. In attendance were representatives of the Front and senior officials of the power utilities. The Front's leaders said the management did not provide any concrete assurance on the issues raised, including the proposed issuance of parallel distribution licences, the formation of a separate agricultural distribution company (Agri DISCOM), and the implementation of smart metering across the state.
Parallel distribution licences would allow multiple companies to operate in the same area, introducing competition in power supply. Smart metering involves the installation of digital meters that transmit consumption data automatically. Employees have opposed both measures, saying they could disrupt the existing system and lead to privatisation, which, according to them, would harm consumer interests and job security.
Another major set of demands pertains to working conditions. The Front has sought the regularisation of contract workers, equal pay for equal work, and a risk allowance for employees exposed to hazardous conditions. It has also asked for the removal of conditions imposed under the ex-gratia employment scheme, which provides jobs to family members of employees who die in service. The employees say these conditions have made it difficult for many families to avail of the benefit.
According to the Front, the management maintained that most of these issues fall under the jurisdiction of the State government and could not be decided by the power companies. The employees' leaders, however, alleged that the management backtracked on assurances given by the Power Minister during an earlier meeting. This, they said, left no room for further negotiations.
In response to the failed talks, the Front announced that the strike would go ahead as planned. The strike call has been supported by the Electricity Employees Federation of India, whose national vice-president, Subhash Lamba, condemned the stance of the government and the management. He warned that any punitive or repressive action against striking employees would trigger strong protests nationwide.
The proposed Agri DISCOM, which the Haryana government plans to establish from August 15 to handle power supply for agricultural consumers, has become a major point of contention. The Front has opposed this move, along with smart metering and parallel distribution licences, on grounds that these measures could lead to privatisation of the electricity sector. Farmers have also expressed opposition, organising mahapanchayats in several districts to voice their concerns.
Elected gram panchayats in Sonipat, Rohtak and Jhajjar have passed resolutions against what they term as privatisation of the electricity sector and have extended their support to the employees' strike.
The three-day strike, if it takes effect from August 10, could have a significant impact on power distribution across Haryana. The employees have stated that they remain open to dialogue, provided the government addresses their core concerns. As of now, no further talks have been scheduled, and the state awaits a possible disruption in power services.
