CM Nayab Saini says Haryana power employees' strike being called off: ‘There will be no privatisation of any kind’

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said electricity employees have called off their strike after the state government invoked Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and directed the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) to review its order permitting a private company to distribute power in Gurugram and Nuh.

Speaking at a joint press conference with representatives of the employees' union in Panchkula, Saini said the government has assured them of its support and that workers would immediately return to duty. He reiterated that the state government opposed privatisation of electricity distribution.

Saini said HERC was an independent body governed by its own legislation and that the state government was required to implement its orders and directives. However, he said the government has now exercised its authority under Section 108 to ask the commission to reconsider the matter and effectively withdraw the provision allowing private distribution.

The chief minister maintained that the government stood firmly with the electricity employees and would not allow privatisation in the state.

“We have consistently maintained that we stand fully with the electricity employees’ union, and we reiterate that position today. It should be noted that the HERC (Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission) is an independent agency operating under its own Act. Under this Act, it functions, offers suggestions, provides guidance, and issues directives. From time to time, we are also required to implement its orders and directives,” Saini said.

He added, “Today, we have reached a decision. Exercising our authority under Section 108, the government has directed the HERC to review the matter and effectively cancel that provision...All the office-bearers of the union are present here with us for this joint press conference following our discussions. The government has provided full assurances. They have stated that the strike is being called off. Our employees will now immediately resume their duties. Our position is absolutely firm; there will be no privatisation of any kind.”

Around 40,000 electricity employees and engineers joined the protest, raising concerns over the impact of privatisation on state-owned power utilities, job security and electricity costs for consumers.

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