Puducherry’s Department of Electricity is witnessing protests from its engineering staff and other employees. The workers have all gone on an indefinite strike to express their disapproval of the Government’s decision to privatise the retail sale and distribution of electricity.
Earlier this week, the Puducherry government floated tenders inviting proposals for the privatisation of the power distribution of Puducherry.
The employees and engineers feel that privatisation of the distribution of electricity is not right. As a mark of protest, the employees of the Electricity Department refused to attend to any complaints or fuse calls. The bill-payment counters were also closed. The protestors intend to continue their protests till the move is withdrawn.
The employees have clearly stated that they wish to continue working as government employees, as that is how they had been appointed. The protestors do not see any reason for privatisation as the Department, according to them, has been functioning well for ages.
The protestors shouted slogans and gathered outside the entrance of the Department.
Puducherry does not have an Electricity Board, and it is the Department of Electricity that purchases power from the power-generating units of the Centre to fulfil the needs of the population.
A few years ago, the Central Government had come up with a proposal to privatise power distribution and retail sales in the Union Territory.
The tender notification issued this week invites bidders who wish to buy 100 per cent shares in the company that has the license to distribute and supply (retail) electricity in Puducherry.
