Haryana Energy Minister: Talks Underway to Avert Power Staff Strike

Chandigarh, August 7: Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij on Friday said that discussions with Energy Department employees' unions are ongoing, expressing confidence that the government can persuade them to withdraw their proposed three-day strike from August 11 to 13.

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Mr. Vij said the unions had raised three primary demands, and the government has been responding to each of them. The first demand concerns the potential privatisation of electricity distribution through a parallel distribution licence. Mr. Vij explained that this matter is currently before the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), an autonomous statutory body that operates independently of the Energy Department.

On the second demand regarding the installation of smart meters, the Minister stated that no tenders have been floated for the project yet, and the proposal is still under process. He added that since no tenders have been issued, this concern stands addressed for now.

The third demand relates to the proposed Agri DISCOM. Mr. Vij said that while Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had referred to the proposal during the Assembly session, there has been no discussion between him and the Chief Minister on the matter. He described any comment on the future course of action as premature.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to dialogue, Mr. Vij said, "Our discussions with the unions are continuing. Even today, Energy Department officers and officials are engaged in talks with them, and I am fully confident that we will be able to convince the Energy Department employees."

The strike notice was issued by the employees' unions, which have been pressing for clarity on these issues. The government's efforts to resolve the impasse through negotiations are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to consumers in the state.