Himachal Power Crisis: Why Are 15,000 Employees on Mass Leave?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, over 15,000 employees from Punjab's power sector have initiated a mass leave to push for their unresolved issues. The ongoing strike, which affects multiple sectors, has prompted urgent appeals from the Power Minister to prioritize public service. Will the government address their demands effectively?
Key Takeaways
- Over 15,000 employees from Punjab's power sector are on strike.
- The strike is impacting residential, industrial, and agricultural areas.
- Key demands include the release of pending allowances and recruitment for vacant posts.
- The government is making efforts to address employee concerns.
- Power Minister emphasizes the need for uninterrupted power supply.
Chandigarh, Aug 11 (NationPress) Over 15,000 employees from the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd and Punjab State Power Transmission Ltd initiated a three-day mass leave beginning Monday, rallying under the Bijli Ekta Manch and Punjab State Employees Federation (PSEB) joint forum. This action is aimed at advocating for their longstanding demands.
This strike is set to persist until midnight on August 13, significantly affecting residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors throughout the region.
The decision to strike followed a meeting with government officials that did not produce satisfactory results regarding their requests. The demands encompass the release of a 13 percent pending dearness allowance, reinstatement of the old pension scheme, rectification of pay and pension discrepancies, regularization of contract staff, and recruitment for approximately 50,000 vacant positions.
Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has urged Powercom employees to conclude their protest and resume work, highlighting the situation's impact on public welfare, particularly during periods of elevated power demand.
He stressed the importance of consistent power supply for households, agriculture, and industry, hence the necessity for the protesting employees to return to their responsibilities.
Minister Singh cautioned that extended strikes could result in considerable inconvenience for millions of consumers, a situation that should be avoided at all costs. He reassured employees that the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is deeply committed to addressing their concerns with sincerity.
Regarding recent developments, Singh detailed that a significant meeting occurred on August 10 in Chandigarh, involving the PSPCL administration, representatives from the Powercom employees' Joint Forum, and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch, co-chaired by himself and Finance Minister Harpal Cheema.
During discussions, the PSPCL administration expressed willingness to accommodate nearly all essential demands presented by the employees. These include the establishment of new posts, filling existing vacancies, an increase in ex-gratia payments, halting recoveries in compassionate cases until a final decision is made, providing cashless medical facilities for employees, releasing pending allowances, and clearing overdue overtime payments for grid substation personnel, along with certain pension revisions.
Additionally, the government has committed to focusing on the repair and maintenance of PSPCL properties, as stated by the minister.
“Considering that most of the demands have been met, it is neither just nor reasonable for employees to persist in their strike,” the minister declared.
He emphasized that the government prioritizes its employees' welfare and remains open to amicably resolving their issues.
Point of View
This situation unfolds as a critical intersection of employee rights and public welfare. While the demands from the Punjab power sector employees are valid, the ensuing strike poses challenges that could disrupt essential services. It's essential for both parties to find a resolution that respects employee rights while ensuring the public's need for electricity is met.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons behind the mass leave of power employees?
The mass leave is primarily due to long-standing demands such as the release of pending allowances, restoration of the old pension scheme, and recruitment for vacant posts.
How long will the strike last?
The strike is scheduled to continue until midnight on August 13.
What impact does the strike have on the public?
The strike is expected to affect residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors, leading to potential power shortages.
What has the government said about the strike?
The Power Minister has urged employees to return to work in the interest of public welfare and assured that the government is addressing their concerns.
Have the employees' demands been acknowledged?
Yes, during a recent meeting, the government indicated willingness to address many key demands from the employees.
