PSEB gears up for widespread strike
Gurpreet Singh Nibber [email protected]
PATIALA

: The Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) has a worked out a contingency plan to requisition and borrow staff from various sources to deal with any possible trouble aris- ing from protests that may fol- low the unbundling of the power board.
Employees, including engi- neers and technical staff, are expected to launch an agita- tion after the announcement of unbundling, expected on April 15.

In a series of meetings held by the top management, it has been decided services of retired engineers of the board of all levels -- SDOs, executive engi- neers and superintending engi- neers -- will be requisitioned.

The state government has already made up its mind to go ahead with the unbundling of the state power board. The for- mal announcement is expect- ed by April 15 after approval from the council of ministers.

The employees are sure to protest. To avoid interruption in the supply, we have also sent a request to different states to send employees, engineers and technical staff from the power sector, revealed a board mem- ber, who added the government was really worried about what would follow the announcement.

The distribution wing of the PSEB has sought 12,000-14,000 people to run the operations uninterrupted. Similarly, gen- eration and transmission wings have also demanded workers to run their operations. As per reports, the deputy commis- sioners have been asked to spare some employees given job cards under the NREGA scheme to run day-to-day operations in case of a strike.

To run the hydel units, the power board has sent a requi- sition to the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) for staff.

The PSEB is said to have pre- pared lists of employees and union members likely to cause trouble, and they may be taken in preventive custody.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Friday held a meet- ing with the deputy commis- sioners and SSPs of all districts to discuss the law and order situation.