Haryana power strike ends as govt assures no privatisation

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Haryana power employees called off their strike on Friday after the state government assured them that electricity distribution would not be privatised. The employees also agreed to restore power supply immediately following talks with Energy Minister Anil Vij and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

The government and employee unions decided to hold another meeting on November 3 to discuss the workers’ remaining demands.

Saini joined the meeting and held discussions with Vij and union representatives. After presenting their respective positions, the employees sought 15 minutes to consider the government’s assurances before announcing the withdrawal of the strike.

Welcoming the decision, Saini said the state government opposed the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (HERC) decision concerning electricity distribution. He said the government had directed the commission under Section 108 to review and cancel its decision.

The CM said the discussions with union office-bearers had taken place in a cordial atmosphere and reiterated that the government would not allow privatisation.

Vij said the Haryana Renewable Energy Corporation (HREC) had awarded a contract for electricity distribution to a private company, a move opposed by the state government.

The strike was called off after the employees received assurances against privatisation, paving the way for the immediate restoration of electricity supply.