Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee correspondent
Heroic struggle of power sector workers of Uttar Pradesh (UP) against privatization plans of UP government has completed 457 days on 27th February. Their struggle is receiving active support of not only power sector workers across the country but also crores of farmers and consumers of electricity. UP government is using various tactics and methods to crush this heroic struggle.
In the month of February 2026, the UP government speeded up drive of forcibly installing smart meters at residences of power sector workers. Those who opposed this move had to face power cut. Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti has denounced this move stating that this move is in total contravention of a written agreement signed with the then UP Chief Minister in the year 2000 which stated that the power sector workers will get subsidised power supply. The Sangharsh Samiti also pointed out that even the Power Sector Reform Act explicitly mentions that the power sector workers service conditions and benefits will be protected fully even after trifurcation of state electricity boards. The Sangharsh Samiti has pointed out that installation of smart meters is just the first step towards privatization of electricity distribution.
The UP government is also taking punitive action against those workers, officers and engineers who are actively participating in opposing the privatization drive. Many of them are being suspended using completely false excuses and thousands are being transferred to remote locations. More than 25000 lowly paid contract employees have been removed from service over last three years.
However, the power sector workers, united across different levels and grades, are bravely fighting back. Instead of cowing down, they are intensifying and spreading their just struggle. They deserve total active support of all the working people of our country. It is also absolutely necessary to condemn the UP government in strongest possible terms, for its anti-worker anti-people unjust actions.