Varanasi Power Employees Stage Protest Against Privatization and Labour Reforms
In a significant demonstration of dissent, power employees in Varanasi participated in a nationwide strike on Thursday, voicing strong opposition to proposed legislative changes and privatization efforts in the electricity sector. The protest was organized by the Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, UP, and took place at the office of the managing director of Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) in the Bhikharipur area.
Concerns Over Electricity Amendment Bill 2026 and Privatization
Union leaders addressed the gathering, highlighting their primary grievances against the Electricity Amendment Bill 2026 and the ongoing push for privatization of the power sector. They argued that transferring power distribution to private companies could lead to a reduction in subsidies and lifeline tariff benefits, which are crucial for making electricity affordable for poor and rural domestic consumers. The leaders warned that this shift could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, potentially making essential services unattainable for many households.
Furthermore, the protestors expressed fears that granting new distribution licences to private players would weaken the role of state and central government-owned power companies. This, they claimed, could have severe repercussions on employees' service conditions, salaries, and overall job security. The leaders emphasized that large-scale privatization might destabilize employment in the sector and undermine the collective bargaining power of power sector workers, leaving them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Issues with New Labour Codes
In addition to privatization concerns, the employees raised alarms over the implementation of new labour codes. Specifically, they pointed out that the threshold for seeking government permission before layoffs, retrenchment, or closure has been increased from 100 to 300 employees. According to the speakers, this change would allow companies employing fewer than 300 workers to terminate services without prior government approval, significantly increasing the risk of arbitrary job losses.
This adjustment, they argued, creates a climate of insecurity among workers, as it reduces regulatory oversight and could lead to unfair dismissals. The protestors stressed that such measures exacerbate job instability, particularly in an era where economic uncertainties are already high.
Leadership and Proceedings
The protest meeting was presided over by Mayashankar Tiwari, with Ankur Pandey conducting the proceedings. Their leadership underscored the organized nature of the strike, which is part of a broader nationwide movement by power employees to resist changes they perceive as detrimental to both consumers and workers. The event in Varanasi served as a focal point for highlighting these critical issues, drawing attention to the potential consequences of policy shifts in the power and labour sectors.
Overall, the protest reflects growing unrest among power sector employees, who are mobilizing to protect their interests and advocate for policies that ensure affordable electricity and secure employment. As debates around privatization and labour reforms continue, such demonstrations are likely to persist, shaping the future landscape of India's power industry.
