Power employees, engineers hold protest against Electricity Amendment Bill 2022
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A number of employees and engineers of Power Development Department (PDD), under the banner of Jammu & Kashmir Power Employees and Engineers Coordination Committee (JKPEECC) held protests in all district headquarters of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh UTs, supporting call of National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE) for nationwide protest against introduction of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022, which will open up distribution of power for private players and profitable areas will be taken over by private companies, thereby resulting into a monopoly, just like the one presently going on in telecom sector.
While speaking on the occasion, President JKEEGA, Sachin Tickoo said, “Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022 was listed for tabling in Parliament. NCCOCEE demanded that it should not be rushed through and instead should be referred to Standing Committee on Energy of Parliament, adding that main stakeholders, i.e., power consumers & employees should be given an opportunity to place their viewpoint. The central government has not made any effort to discuss the issue with engineers and employees and move to de-license power distribution is no way to ensure efficient and cost-effective electricity supply to citizens. Govt seems more concerned over the profitability of private power companies than protecting consumers’ interests.” The employees urged Government of India to send Electricity Amendment bill 2022 to standing committee of Parliament for discussion with all stakeholders including employees of J&K.
Prominent leaders who were present during the protest included Jaipal Sharma President DEA, Ashok Kumar Dubey Senior Vice President, Jasbir Singh ITI Employees Union, Anil Slathia Lineman & Workers Union, Akhil Sharma PDL TDL Union, Tarun Gupta PDEU, Pawan Sharma, Rajinder Singh TEF and Balbir Singh from Draftsmen Association.
