Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, Feb 12,
Electricity services and routine public utility operations witnessed partial disruption across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday as unions affiliated with the Congress and the CPI(M) joined the nationwide strike call, impacting day-to-day functioning in several districts.
Employees, engineers and pensioners of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) participated in the protest as part of the All India Strike supported by central trade unions and farmers’ organisations.
In Shimla, employees assembled at Panchayat Bhawan around 11 am before taking out a rally through Lower Bazaar, culminating near the Deputy Commissioner’s office. A parallel demonstration was organised at the Electricity Board Headquarters, where union leaders addressed workers and reiterated their opposition to the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Opposition to Power Sector Reforms
Union representatives alleged that the proposed amendments to the electricity law could accelerate privatisation in power distribution, weaken public sector utilities and eventually burden consumers with higher tariffs. They also raised concerns over job security and restructuring in state electricity boards.
Among the key demands raised during the strike were:
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Withdrawal of the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025
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Ban on outsourcing in the power sector
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Direct recruitment on a regular basis
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Regularisation of outsourced employees
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Protection of pension benefits and service conditions
Union leaders claimed that the agitation saw widespread participation across divisions and described the strike as a “success,” warning that protests could intensify if their demands are not addressed by the Centre and the state authorities.
Services Partially Affected
While emergency services were reportedly kept functional to avoid major public inconvenience, routine office work, billing-related queries and grievance redressal services were affected in some areas. No major power breakdowns were officially reported, though consumers in select pockets experienced delays in service response.
The strike forms part of a broader nationwide mobilisation against labour and sectoral reforms, with trade unions asserting that policy changes are being introduced without adequate consultation with employee representatives.
The state administration is yet to issue a detailed statement on the impact assessment of the strike.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.