Work stoppage by outsourced staff demanding regular employment significantly hinders operations at PSPCL in Ludhiana
Crippling Power Shortage in Ludhiana as Strike Enters Fourth Day
For the past four days, Ludhiana has been grappling with a severe power crisis, as an ongoing strike by outsourced complaint handling workers disrupts regular operations of the Power Supply Corporation of Punjab (PSPCL).
The strike, led by around 3,500 workers under the Powercom and Transco Contractual Workers Union, Punjab, commenced on May 20th. Their demands include halting privatization policies in the power department, removal of outsourced firms, and direct recruitment by PSPCL. Additionally, they are pressing for unconditional regularization of outsourced employees, salary adjustments, legal death compensation, salary increments, allowances, and permanent severance packages.
The sudden absence of these workers, largely responsible for handling technical tasks on the ground, has left the PSPCL in a critical state of insufficient manpower. To serve over 17 lakh consumers in Ludhiana, an alarming 76% of the sanctioned posts for linemen and assistant linemen remain vacant, leaving only 1,196 linemen and assistant linemen to manage operations. This shortfall, exacerbated by the strike, has forced the PSPCL to put other regular operations on hold.
The consequences of this strike have been particularly noticeable during a recent storm when over 50 trees were uprooted, causing power disruptions and road blocks. The surge in power complaints, nearly 39,639, traditionally at around 24,000, is worsened by delays in addressing outages and restoring power due to the limited workforce available.
Chief Engineer Jagdev Singh Hans of PSPCL's central zone admitted the crisis, stating, "Our topmost priority is to ensure uninterrupted power supply while other regular operations have been put on hold until the strike is resolved." Despite extended working hours and suspended holidays for regular employees, the utility continues to struggle to maintain essential services.
Balihar Singh, state president of the union, confirmed their intention to continue the indefinite strike until their demands are met, stating, "We are on an indefinite strike until the state government and the PSPCL management agree to our demands. Despite several rounds of talks, the government has failed to ensure better working conditions for us."
This crisis in Ludhiana raises concerns about the efficiency of the PSPCL and the implications of such work stoppages for consumers in the area. The PSPCL's top priority lies in restoring power supply while addressing the labor complaints and ongoing strike.
- The energy crisis in Ludhiana, caused by a strike of over 3,500 workers from the Powercom and Transco Contractual Workers Union, has highlighted the need for the government to reconsider privatization policies within the power department and improve the infrastructure of the Power Supply Corporation of Punjab (PSPCL), especially in light of the critical manpower shortage, with 76% of sanctioned posts for linemen and assistant linemen remaining vacant.
- The ongoing strike in the power industry of Ludhiana has affected various sectors, including finance, as the PSPCL is struggling to maintain essential services, leading to a surge in power complaints and disruptions, that have cost consumers approximately 17 lakh, and caused delays in addressing outages and restoring power.
- The strike's impact on the PSPCL's operations extends beyond power supply, with the government and industry leaders urging the union to reconsider their stance and find a resolution, as the continuation of the strike could potentially disrupt other vital sectors, such as cricket, as the city prepares to host major tournaments, relying on a stable and reliable energy supply for infrastructure development and smooth operation.
