Power strike begins in Uttar Pradesh, mins warns of tough action

LUCKNOW: National Security Act (NSA) will be invoked if an attempt is made to prevent power corporation engineers from performing their duties. Further, if any discom property is found damaged in the strike, then protesters will have to face consequences, stated state power minister Arvind Kumar Sharma.
"Essential Services Maintenance Act has been invoked across the state. If staff involved in the strike attempt any disruption in the operations of power services, they will be booked under ESMA and jailed for one-year. Further, if discom property is damaged by protesters or they are found preventing other engineers from performing their duties, then NSA will be invoked," he said.
"State government is committed to provide full security to engineers who perform their duties. UP Power Officers Association, Vidyut Mazdoor Panchayat Sangh, Electricity Contract Employees Federation, UP State Electricity Council Leader Employees Association, Promoted Power Engineers Welfare Association, Electrical Technical Employees United Association and other employee organizations have assured they will stay away from the strike," he added.
"This month is very important for revenue collection and power supply is very important in view of rising heat. A roadmap for the year's development is prepared from the revenue collected at this period. Salary, bonus and expenses of the personnel are also linked. Common people also face a lot of problems due to such strikes and work boycotts. Furthermore, students have exams and strikes in the power department can disrupt their studies. Public inconvenience can't be accepted," said Sharma.
Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti issued a statement saying, "The engineers are being forced to go on strike from Thursday night 10 pm due to the obstinacy of the top management of the UPPCL." "The state power minister and officials have failed to implement the agreement which was decided a few months back following face-to-face discussion," read the statement.