Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: Power employees and engineers under the umbrella of Forum of Engineers and Tech Staff in an urgent meeting here today expressed strong resentment over the announcement made by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman on the issue of privatisation of distribution sector of Power Development departments starting with Union Territories.
A Forum spokesman said that decision comes in wake of the Policy decision being mooted in terms of the draft amendments being introduced in the Central Electricity Act of 2003 wherein, the idea is to separate the content from the carriage which means that the power distribution infrastructure builder and its licensee to supply the power-content shall be separated. The Govt is acting in haste by bringing in these amendments with the ultimate goal of handing over the assets of Power distribution sector to the private players who shall muzzle the employees of these state owned power distribution companies as well add to the miseries of the consumers at large.
“It is pertinent to mention that UT of Jammu Kashmir has witnessed turmoil during last 30 years and at this stage, it is lacking far behind as compared to other UTs in terms of per capita income. The Power infrastructure in J&K needs revamping and this will take time. The far flung areas of J&K have seen electricity at their homes just recently after the launch of Saubhagya Scheme and moreover, the topography of the UT is such that the rural areas have a very dilapidated infrastructure,” he added.
Spokesman alleged that employees of PDD were forced to accept the unbundling of the Department based on certain assumptions that complete budgetary support shall be provided by the Govt for the salaries and other dues of the employees, however, ever since the formation of these companies there have been delays in releasing salaries and promotions.
This announcement for UTs has created anxiety and fear among the employees who stand united performing tirelessly in the testing times of COVID-19. The Power employees may choose an agitational path on the privatisation issue, if there is any move to bring it to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesman regretted.
Among those present in the meeting included, Sachin Tickoo,Vipul Sharma, Sumit, Ravi Khah, Sushma, Vandana, Ajaz Kazmi and Sanjeev Bali.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel