Committee to address electricity employees’ demands, says Deputy CM

The ongoing strike by artisans in Hyderabad has prompted Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to announce the formation of a committee of senior officials to resolve issues faced by power sector employees. He assured that DISCOMs would not be privatised and directed officials to hold monthly meetings with unions.

Hyderabad: As the artisans continue their strike undeterred despite the final notices issued to rejoin within 24 hours, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that a committee comprising senior officials would be constituted to resolve the issues of power sector employees.

He said that senior officials of power utilities would be directed to allocate one hour every month for meetings with employee unions and address their issues. He made these announcements after a meeting with leaders of the Electricity Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) here on Sunday.

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During the meeting, the JAC leaders asked about the speculation that power distribution companies (DISCOMs) would be privatized. In response, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that under no circumstances would DISCOMs be privatised.

He further stated that the government was committed to strengthening the energy sector over the long term. He stressed that both employees’ JAC and officials had a responsibility to work towards strengthening power utilities.

The Deputy Chief Minister also instructed that complaints received through the 1912 helpline should be resolved promptly, ensuring that power utilities remain synonymous with efficient service delivery.

The Electricity Employees’ JAC submitted a memorandum highlighting several demands, including the establishment of a third DISCOM, implementation of the 2026 PRC, restoration of the old pension scheme for those recruited up to 2004, regular promotions, new recruitments, and resolution of artisan-related issues.