On 9 July 2025, more than 27 lakh employees from the power sector across India plan to go on a strike. Why? They are against the proposed privatisation of power distribution in 42 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The state government has taken a decision to privatise two discoms—Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (PVVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (DVVNL)—which together supply power to 42 of the 75 districts of the state.
Strikes and protests at the district level will begin on 2 July, as shared by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCEEE) recently.
A symbolic strike across the nation can be expected the day the Uttar Pradesh government floats a tender for privatisation.
The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has reportedly requested the Centre to intervene and not allow the privatisation to happen as it is bound to have an adverse effect on the poor and those in the lower ranks of the society, including farmers.
Leaders of NCCEEE are also reportedly planning to organise a big convention in Lucknow on 22 June to announce a public movement against privatisation.
The Government of Uttar Pradesh, meanwhile, has imposed a ban on strikes in the power sector across the state for the next six months under the Maintenance of Essential Services Act, as per a government directive dated 6 June 2025.
