Power Sector Unions to Stage Nationwide Protest Against Electricity Bill
In a significant development, power sector unions have declared a nationwide protest scheduled for March 10, 2025. This action is a direct response to the proposed tabling of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in Parliament. The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has confirmed that a substantial number of power sector employees across the country will participate in the boycott to oppose the draft legislation.
Key Provisions of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Bill aims to overhaul the electricity distribution framework by introducing several controversial measures. It proposes allowing multiple distribution companies to operate within the same region while sharing existing infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation seeks to implement cost-reflective tariffs and phase out cross-subsidies provided to industrial consumers over a five-year period.
Union Leaders Voice Strong Opposition
AIPEF chairman Shailendra Dubey has raised serious concerns, stating that stakeholder objections were disregarded during the drafting process. He alleged that the power ministry included pro-privatization groups in consultations, sidelining other voices. Dubey announced that an AIPEF meeting is set for Sunday, March 8, in Dehradun to deliberate on the issue.
V K Gupta of AIPEF emphasized that there is "no tearing hurry to adopt such drastic and shortcut methods which go against the letter and spirit of democratic functioning." He called for all objections raised by stakeholders to be clarified, ensuring concerns and dissenting views are adequately addressed before any further steps are taken.
Coordination and Mobilization Efforts
The National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers has informed the Ministry of Power that electricity employees and engineers nationwide are being compelled to undertake a "lightning action" on March 10. According to ministry sources, workers plan to take to the streets in protest against the Bill's proposed introduction in Parliament on the same day.
This decision was made during an online meeting chaired by AIPEF chairman Shailendra Dubey. Committee members have warned the government against introducing what they describe as an anti-farmer, anti-consumer, and anti-employee Bill. They also stated that Members of Parliament from all political parties will be briefed in Delhi on March 9 regarding the adverse implications of the draft legislation.
Delegation and Strategic Planning
Ajaypal Singh Atwal, general secretary of the PSEB Engineers Association, is leading an eight-member delegation to Dehradun for the AIPEF meeting. This move underscores the unions' commitment to organizing a coordinated response and mobilizing support against the Bill.
The protest highlights growing tensions in the power sector over potential privatization and regulatory changes, with unions advocating for more inclusive and democratic processes in policy-making.
