Power workers protest against electricity privatisation

Varanasi: Power workers of Purvanchal under the banner of Vidhyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti UP on Monday held a demonstration at the managing director's office at Bhikhareepur, expressing their strong opposition to the proposed privatisation of the state's electricity distribution system.

Electricity employees, engineers, junior engineers, technical staff and contractual workers participated in the demonstration.

Addressing the gathering, speakers alleged that energy management was continuously adopting repressive and harassing measures against employees, who raised their voices in support of workers’ interests. They claimed that attempts were being made to intimidate employees through transfers, suspensions, disciplinary proceedings and mental pressure, which would not be accepted under any circumstances. They demanded immediate withdrawal of disciplinary actions taken against power workers during the March 2023 agitation, FIRs registered against them, suspensions, transfers to remote locations and other repressive actions.

The protesters alleged that energy management is attempting to suppress the democratic activities of employee organisations. Malicious transfers, suspensions, chargesheets, salary withholding and mental harassment are being continuously carried out against employees and organisation office-bearers, causing widespread anger among all power workers, they added.