With Electricity Corporation employees strike imminent govt keeps army option open
With the power corporation workers movement gathering momentum, the government has also become tough and alert. Every option is being considered to deal with the situation arising from the strike. Along with contact with other states, the option of military help is also being considered. On Wednesday, Secretary Energy has summoned the MD of the three power corporations to consider all these options. 25 students of ITI and Polytechnic have also been joined so that work remains unaffected.
This time the government is in the process of dealing with the movement of power workers strictly. Energy Corporation Management has started deploying 25 students in Tehri, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Haridwar and other districts in Uttarakhand. Within two days, other students are also joining. All these students will also be given one week training. Training will be done from power sub station operations to normalization of supply system. The contractors have been instructed to raise manpower.
Along with this, Secretary Energy Radhika Jha has summoned the MD of the three power corporations on Wednesday to discuss the options to deal with the strike strictly. According to the sources, the government is in the process of communicating with other states including UP, Himachal Pradesh and handing over large supply stations to the army. However, the final call will be decided in the meeting between the Secretary Energy and the Chief Secretary on Thursday.
Students will be able to handle power sub station
The government has been preparing to hand over responsibility to the students to deal with the strike, but if the experts are to be believed then the students will not be able to handle the responsibilities even after one-week training. Specially the power supply sub station, along with the transmission station, will not be easy for new students to handle large hydro power houses.
Government contacts with contractual employees
Given the movement of electricity workers, the government has contacted contract workers. The office bearers of contract employees have been called for talks. On the other hand contract employees have given moral support to the movement of the power workers right now.
Employees takeout candle march
The Electricity corporation employees are adamant on the demand of pay metrics and ACP discrepancy. Employees under the banner of the committee protested by taking out candle march at the headquarters of the power corporation. The officials clarified that this time the battle will be fought with the government. A rally will be held on December 26 at PTCUL headquarters. The strike will begin on January 5.
Will not let Uttarakhand become striking state
Secretary Radha Jha, on the agitation of power workers, clarified that the state will no longer be allowed to become a striking state. Demands of employees have been settled. There is no financial loss to any cadre. Even after this, the employees are firm on dogma. When the employees strike, the government is considering all the options in view of the convenience of the general public. In any event the general public will not be disturbed.
