The UP Power Corporation Nivida Samvida Karamchari Sangh has reported that 36 workplace accidents occurred in the past 37 days across Uttar Pradesh, resulting in 22 deaths and 14 serious injuries. The union attributes this rising toll to acute staff shortages and unsafe working conditions.
Allegations of Manpower Reduction
According to the union, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and its distribution companies have removed nearly 25,000 outsourced electricity workers. This has led to a severe manpower shortage, increasing the burden on remaining employees and compromising safety standards.
Union state general secretary Devendra Kumar Pandey stated that instead of deploying a standard maintenance gang comprising a lineman, a patrolman or skilled worker, and two unskilled workers on 11 kV outgoing feeders, in most cases only one worker is assigned. He cited a 2017 UPPCL notification when power consumers were around 1.5 crore, with 36 personnel stationed at one substation having five outgoing feeders. Previously, there were four substation operators (SSOs) and four assistant SSOs per substation. However, according to an October 2024 notification, only 18.5 personnel are stationed per substation with five outgoing feeders, and now a substation is manned by 3.5 SSOs with no assistant SSOs.
Unsafe Working Conditions
Pandey further alleged that unskilled personnel are being asked to work on high-tension and low-tension power lines, transformers, breakers, and other electrical installations. He claimed, "There is provision of safety equipment for on-duty field units, but the reality is that they are not even being provided stairs in certain areas." The union said it has repeatedly raised concerns with management over safety issues but no effective steps have been taken to prevent accidents. The highest number of accidents has been reported in the MVVNL region.
Union's Agitation Programme
Expressing concern over the deaths and injuries, the organization announced a phased agitation programme. As part of the first phase, tribute meetings will be held across various districts of the state on June 1 to honor workers who lost their lives in accidents. In Lucknow, a condolence meeting will be organized at Shakti Bhawan from 10 am on June 1.
UPPCL Response
Responding to a query, UPPCL chairman Ashish Kumar Goel said, "Number of casualties has reduced compared to last year."
