Power employees stage protest against privatisation of State’s power discoms
   Date :08-Feb-2021

States power distribution
 Power discom employees staging protest against privatisation of the State’s power distribution companies
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Power company employees have united against proposed privatisation of the State’s power distribution companies. On Sunday, they held a public meeting in premises of Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company (MPMKVVCL) located in Govindpura and warned that if the Government starts the process of handing over companies in private hands, then power supply will be stopped across the State and employees will go on strike. These workers were gathered under the banner of various trade organisations.
 
They have formed a grand rally against proposed privatisation, which includes more than 12 different employee organisations. This protest is supported by officials of three power distribution companies of the State. Notably, Ministry of Power has issued standard bid documents a few months ago. These have been given to all the states. Officials of the United Front of electricity workers say that under this, there is a plan to give power distribution companies in private hands. The process of handing over private hands to Purvanchal Distribution Corporation of Uttar Pradesh was started where electricity workers staged a protest for 36 days and the power supply system was stalled.
 
Then the process of privatisation was postponed after GoM meeting. Convenor of Madhya Pradesh Electrical Engineer Association, VKS Parihar says that like UP, Madhya Pradesh Power Distribution Company Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh East Region Power Distribution Company, Jabalpur, MP Western Region Power Distribution Company Indore are planning to be handed over in private hands. If any such process goes ahead, then the entire State will be forced to interrupt power supply. If power companies are privatised, there will be an impact on 1.50 crore consumers of the State. Subsidy they receive may fall into disarray. Private companies can easily increase electricity prices by stating losses. The number of legal lawsuits against consumers may increase, they alleged.