Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
A three-day strike by electricity employees in Haryana has disrupted normal life, affecting industries, hospitals, schools, government offices and households. The strike began at 10 pm on Wednesday in protest against the state government's decision to grant an electricity supply licence to private company Eleven Power in Gurugram and Nuh.
Amid the disruption, Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij has appealed to the striking employees to call off their agitation and return to duty. He said the government was ready to discuss all possible options to resolve the dispute, including action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Vij's statement indicates that the government is considering both negotiations and legal and administrative measures to end the strike. However, he did not provide details of the specific action that could be taken under the provision.
Meanwhile, talks between the government and representatives of the striking electricity employees are set to begin in Panchkula. Employee leaders are expected to seek an emergency Cabinet meeting and propose the cancellation of the licence granted to the private company.
According to Ravinder Ghanghas, spokesperson for the Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Struggle Front, the government has invited representatives of the front to Chandigarh for discussions.
The outcome of the talks is likely to be crucial in determining whether the strike can be called off and electricity services restored to normal across the affected areas.
