Report received from All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF)
(English translation of letter in Hindi)
Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti, UP
Letter no. 131/Sangharsh
29 December 2022
To,
Hon’ble Energy Minister,
Government of Uttar Pradesh,
Lucknow
Subject: Regarding the death of 1 chief engineer and 2 junior engineers of the corporation recently under stressful circumstances due to the arbitrariness of top power management in Power Corporations and immediate ban on the perverse functioning of the Corporation
Sir
We inform with respect that due to the arbitrariness of the top energy management in the Power Corporations of UP and the perverse functioning of the Corporation, 1 Chief Engineer Late Er. Raja Babu Katiyar and 2 Junior Engineers Late Er. Sanjay Chauhan and Late Er. Banwari Lal have died under stressful circumstances.
In the past, impractical targets were being given by the corporation for revenue recovery, whose entire pressure was put on electricity workers. No arrangements were made for this work and revenue, never paid, etc. were reviewed only through video conferencing, because of which the engineers were in a state of extreme stress and depression.
Amidst severe lack of resources and dilapidated lines, constant pressure has been put on electricity workers by the power management for continuous 24/7 power supply. For the last 2 years, the situation has become uncontrollable due to the business plan being reduced to almost zero and the estimate not being approved to eliminate overloading. The availability of material in storage blocks is negligible relative to the demand.
There is no arrangement for the safety of electricity workers during revenue collection and disconnection. Incidents of fighting have taken place at hundreds of places across the state and anti-social elements involved in power theft have lodged false complaints on and attacked electrical workers, but no effective action was taken by the Corporation to control it. Due to this, the employees, junior engineers and engineers are stressed and afraid, which is very worrying.
Cancellation of weekly and public holidays by the Corporation is forcing us to work continuously without leave. Electricity workers are also suffering guilt/pain of not being able to fulfil their family and social responsibilities. This has also badly affected their physical and mental health.
After the poignant incident in the past days, the insensitiveness of the Corporation management and the continuation of impractical orders and reviews as before has spoiled the environment of the department. Due to this, the employees, junior engineers and engineers are suffering from frustration, which is completely contrary to the interests of the corporation.
Sir, even after the above poignant incidents, no effective action has been taken to end the insensitive attitude of the power management and the stressful/fearful atmosphere in the department. Because of this, the suffering of electricity workers is becoming unbearable and a lot of frustration/outrage is widespread among them.
Therefore, you are requested to kindly give appropriate instructions from your level for taking strict action against the culprits and for immediate ban on the perverse functioning prevalent in the department while getting the above poignant incidents investigated by a high-level committee.
With respect,
Sincerely
Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti, UP
Copy to:
1. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow
Copy forwarded for information and necessary action to the following:
1. Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow
2. Shri Avinash Awasthi, Chief Advisor, Hon’ble Chief Minister, UP, Lucknow
3. Chairman, UPPCL/UPPTCL/UPRVUNL/UPJVNL, Lucknow
