Nationwide Strike: Prepare for Long Power Cuts on July 9! 2.7 Million Power Employees to Strike

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On July 9, a significant nationwide strike will take place as over 2.7 million electricity sector employees join hands to protest against the privatization of two major DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) in Uttar Pradesh. This massive movement is led by the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), who are responding to recent governmental actions that may have far-reaching implications for power supply across the nation. This article explores the current situation and the upcoming strike, analyzing its impact on power supply and the public.

Background of the Strike

The roots of this impending strike can be traced to the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to privatize the Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) and the Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL). This privatization plan will affect over 42 out of 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh, stirring widespread concern among employees and consumers alike.

Shailendra Dubey, the AIPEF President, emphasized the potential backlash these privatization moves might produce, particularly given that they coincide with an ongoing struggle for equitable power distribution. He also stated that the scale of the upcoming strike could severely impair electricity supply throughout the country.

Reasons for the Protest

Dubey has outlined several critical concerns that have fueled the protest movement:

1. Privatization Hazards: The privatization of DISCOMs could lead to increased electricity costs for consumers, particularly impacting farmers and low-income households.
2. Corruption Allegations: Allegations have surfaced of collusion between certain government officials and private companies that may seek to acquire public assets at undervalued prices.
3. Impact on Employment: Ramifications of privatization extend to job security for existing employees, raising fears of widespread layoffs and job losses.

The strike is also aiming to raise awareness of these concerns among the general public, with the hope that collective action will force the government to reconsider its privatization agenda.

Areas Affected

The scheduled protests are expected to mobilize in key cities, including Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Nagpur, Raipur, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Vadodara, Rajkot, Guwahati, Shillong, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi, Srinagar, Jammu, Shimla, Dehradun, Patiala, Jaipur, Kota, Hisar, and Lucknow. These demonstrations will serve as pivotal platforms to voice concerns regarding the implications of privatizing power distribution.

Looking Forward

As the date approaches, consumers are urged to brace themselves for potential power outages, which could occur as a result of this large-scale strike. While the AIPEF has made clear that they do not wish for the public to suffer, they acknowledge that the scale of participation may lead to disruptions. “If electricity supply is affected, we won't be held responsible,” Dubey warned.

This unprecedented protest underscores the ongoing debate surrounding energy privatization in India and its potential impact on everyday citizens. It remains crucial for both the government and the public to engage in constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues.

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