Lucknow: The UP Power Corporation Nivida Samvida Karamchari Sangh on Friday alleged that 36 workplace accidents in the past 37 days have resulted in 22 worker deaths and 14 serious injuries across Uttar Pradesh. The union attributed the incidents to severe staff shortages and unsafe working conditions.
Allegations of Manpower Crisis
The union claimed that Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and its distribution companies have removed approximately 25,000 outsourced workers, leading to an acute manpower crunch. This has increased the workload on remaining staff, compromising safety standards. Speaking to Times of India, union state general secretary Devendra Kumar Pandey stated that instead of deploying a standard maintenance gang—comprising a lineman, a skilled worker, and two unskilled helpers—on 11 kV outgoing feeders, in most cases only one worker is assigned.
Staffing Reductions Over Time
Pandey highlighted a 2017 UPPCL notification that required 36 personnel at a substation with five outgoing feeders when consumer numbers were around 1.5 crore. However, an October 2024 notification reduced staffing to 18.5 personnel for a similar setup. He added that earlier, there were four substation operators (SSOs) and four assistant SSOs, but now substations are manned by 3.5 SSOs with no assistant SSOs. Furthermore, unskilled workers are reportedly being asked to handle high-tension and low-tension lines, transformers, and other electrical installations without adequate support.
Lack of Safety Equipment
Although safety equipment is mandated for field staff, the union alleged that in several areas, even basic facilities like ladders are not provided. The highest number of accidents has been reported in Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (MVVNL).
Union's Planned Agitation
Announcing a phased agitation, the union said tribute meetings will be held across districts on June 1 to honor workers who lost their lives. In Lucknow, a condolence meeting will be organized at Shakti Bhawan at 10 am.
UPPCL's Response
Responding to the allegations, UPPCL managing director Nitish Kumar said there has been a 31% reduction in on-duty deaths due to power accidents. He added that the corporation has invested Rs 28 crore in safety gear for staff and maintained that there is no manpower shortage, claiming that field personnel strength has been increased.
