CHANDIGARH: The electricity employees of UT Chandigarh held a massive Dharna and demonstration against the privatization of UT Electricity Department before the office of Executive Engineer- cum- Nodal Officer.
The protestors burned an effigy of the government and warned that if the decision of privatization will not be withdrawn and illegally
the tender process will not be stopped then work boycott & protest demonstrations will continue.
The protest was organized under the banner of UT Power men union was addressed by Gopal Datt Joshi Gen. Secy Dhian Singh, President, and leaders
of other organizations.
The leaders while addressing the Dharna strongly criticize and condemned the privatization policy of the central government hurriedly
decided to privatize the functioning of the distribution of all the union territories including Chandigarh.
Joshi said that the UT Electricity Department is generating profit for the last 5 years. last year the department earns profit of Rs. 258 crore and this year it is Rs. 117 crores.Last year the transmission line loss was 9.51% and is best amongst the country.
Dhian Singh said that even with an acute shortage of men & material the department is providing 24X7 uninterrupted power supply to its consumer. There is no reason to sell the 100% share of the department to a private money monger.
As per the standard bidding document, the land & Buildings will be given to the private company them @Rs1/- per month and further decided to hand over GPF & other benefits to the trust of private operators.