Haryana power strike ends: CM Saini orders urgent supply restoration
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The electricity employees' strike in Haryana was called off on Friday, 23 October, after which Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini issued immediate directions to power utility officials to restore electricity supply across the state at the earliest. The strike had disrupted power services in several parts of the state, affecting farmers, shopkeepers, and households.
Coordinated Response by Power Utilities
Following the Chief Minister's directions, the Managing Directors of three state-run power utilities — Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (UHBVNL), and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (DHBVNL) — convened a joint video conference to review the status of power supply restoration.
Aditya Dahiya, Managing Director of HVPNL, and Vikram Singh, Managing Director of UHBVNL and DHBVNL, subsequently held an in-person meeting in Panchkula, directing field officials and technical teams to normalise supply on a priority basis. Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers from all three utilities also attended the session.
What Officials Said
Officials were instructed to ensure adequate resources and technical personnel were deployed immediately. Aditya Dahiya stated that the Chief Minister's directive was unambiguous: 'the people of the state should not face any unnecessary inconvenience due to power supply issues.' The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumers' interests through coordinated inter-departmental efforts.
How the Strike Affected Haryana
The strike by electricity department employees had escalated into a significant public issue. Workers raised demands related to working conditions, job security, and other service-related matters. The resulting disruptions impacted daily life across multiple areas — farmers expressed concern over electricity supply required for irrigation, while shopkeepers and small business owners reported difficulty in conducting normal operations. Residential areas also faced intermittent outages, adding to public frustration.
What Happens Next
With the strike concluded and restoration efforts underway, state officials are working towards full normalisation of power supply. The emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and deployment of adequate field staff signals the government's intent to prevent prolonged disruption. How quickly supply stabilises across the state — particularly in rural areas dependent on irrigation — will be a key indicator of the government's response effectiveness.