The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has called for a nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, in strong opposition to the Uttar Pradesh government’s move to privatise its power distribution companies (discoms). The strike is expected to see participation from engineers and employees across multiple states, signaling major disruption in electricity services if talks fail.
Why the Strike?
The AIPEF claims the Uttar Pradesh government is taking unilateral steps toward privatisation without consultations with stakeholders, including power sector employees. The engineers' federation argues that such privatisation could:
Lead to job insecurity
Increase electricity tariffs
Reduce service quality in rural and semi-urban areas
Hurt socially inclusive access to power
AIPEF chairman Shailendra Dubey warned that privatisation of essential services like electricity is a "threat to national interest and public welfare."
States Likely to Be Affected
While the protest is aimed at the developments in Uttar Pradesh, engineers and power employees from Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala have extended their solidarity and confirmed participation. This widespread support could lead to temporary blackouts or reduced services across India.
Government’s Stand
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has defended the decision, claiming that privatisation will:
Improve efficiency
Reduce line losses
Attract private investments
Modernise distribution infrastructure
However, unions argue that the government has failed to ensure accountability in previous privatisation efforts and this move could further weaken the public sector.
Public Concerns & Possible Impact
Consumers may face:
Scheduled or unscheduled power outages
Delays in billing or complaint resolution
Higher tariffs if discoms are handed over to private firms
AIPEF has also urged the central government to intervene and protect public interest in power distribution.
Conclusion
As the date approaches, tension is rising in the power sector. The July 9 strike is poised to become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate between public control vs. privatisation of essential services. Consumers, government bodies, and energy experts will be closely watching how this standoff unfolds
.
FAQs
Q1. Who is organising the strike on July 9, 2025?
A: The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) is organising the nationwide strike.
Q2. Why are power engineers striking?
A: They are protesting the proposed privatisation of power distribution companies (discoms) in Uttar Pradesh.
Q3. Will there be power cuts on July 9?
A: Temporary disruptions or blackouts are possible in several states if the strike proceeds without resolution.
Q4. What does the UP government say about privatisation?
A: The government claims it will improve efficiency, reduce losses, and modernise power distribution.
Q5. Which states are supporting the strike?
A: Engineers and employees from Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh have shown solidarity.
published on 2nd july
Publisher : SMITA
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