The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Nivida Samvida Karamchari Sangh has alleged that 36 workplace accidents occurred in the past 37 days across the state, resulting in 22 deaths and 14 serious injuries. The union attributed the incidents to staff shortages and unsafe working conditions.
Union claims manpower crunch
The union stated that Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and its distribution companies have removed approximately 25,000 outsourced workers, leading to an acute manpower shortage. This reduction has increased the workload on remaining staff, compromising safety standards.
Speaking to the Times of India, union state general secretary Devendra Kumar Pandey alleged that standard maintenance teams—comprising a lineman, a skilled worker, and two unskilled helpers—are not being deployed on 11 kV outgoing feeders. Instead, in most cases, only a single worker is assigned.
Pandey cited a 2017 UPPCL notification that mandated 36 personnel for a substation with five outgoing feeders, when the number of consumers was around 1.5 crore. However, an October 2024 notification reduced staffing to 18.5 personnel for a similar setup. He added that previously there were four substation operators (SSOs) and four assistant SSOs, but now substations are manned by 3.5 SSOs without any assistant SSOs.
Unskilled workers handling high-risk tasks
The union further alleged that unskilled workers are being asked to handle high-tension and low-tension lines, transformers, and other electrical installations without adequate support. Although safety equipment is mandated for field staff, in several areas even basic facilities like ladders are not being provided.
The highest number of accidents has been reported in the Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (MVVNL) region.
Union announces phased 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 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.
