Statement of the Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti, Uttar Pradesh, 23 May 2026
The vertical restructuring system implemented in the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation and the layoff of experienced contract workers have completely devastated the power system across the state. This system, implemented in the name of improving the power network and transparency, has now created a serious crisis for consumers, power workers, and the department’s functioning itself. If the failed vertical restructuring system is not immediately withdrawn and a practical system is not implemented by taking power workers and engineers into confidence and stopping all oppressive practices, power workers across the state will be forced to launch a widespread movement.
The Uttar Pradesh Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti has stated that the so-called vertical restructuring system implemented within the Power Corporation and the layoff of experienced contract workers has completely devastated the power system across the state, including the capital Lucknow. This system, implemented in the name of improving the power network and transparency, has now created a serious crisis for consumers, power workers, and the department itself.
The Sangharsh Samiti stated that previously, the concerned JE or SDO was directly responsible for any electricity problem in an area, providing consumers with quick solutions. However, now, with the division of tasks into different wings, accountability has been eliminated. Consumers are unable to even understand who the actual responsible officer is for their problems.
The new system makes complaint resolution entirely dependent on 1912 and the online portal. Complaints are being registered, but they are not being resolved in a timely manner. The people are suffering from hours-long power outages, incorrect billing, and technical problems, while responsible senior officials remain hidden behind files and portals.
The Sangharsh Samiti stated that coordination at the ground level has completely collapsed. With separate billing teams, meter teams, and line staff, consumers are forced to make numerous rounds for even small tasks. In the name of a “faceless system,” a system has been created in which the public has no idea who the responsible officer is. This has exacerbated the communication gap between consumers and the department.
After the new system was implemented, many areas of the state are not receiving new electricity connections on time, meter readings are being significantly delayed, and bills for thousands of consumers are not being generated on time. Problems such as technical flaws, complete failure, balance mismatches, and incorrect billing in the smart prepaid meter system have further exacerbated the situation.
The Sangharsh Samiti alleged that the top management is completely disconnected from ground realities and is pushing the power system towards ruin by imposing autocratic decisions.
The people of the state are suffering due to the power crisis, while power employees are being forced to work under mental pressure due to excessive workload, lack of resources and oppressive policies.
The Sangharsh Samiti has clearly warned that if the failed system of vertical restructuring is not immediately withdrawn and a practical system is not implemented by taking engineers into confidence and stopping all oppressive practices against electricity workers, workers across the state will be forced to launch a massive movement. Power workers will now take to the streets to democratically protest the arbitrary policies of the management.
The Sangharsh Samiti has demanded that the state government should immediately intervene to save the power system, provide relief to consumers, and restore accountability and coordination in the energy corporations, otherwise the situation will become more explosive for which the power corporation management will be fully responsible.
As part of the ongoing public awareness campaign against the oppression of workers, the Uttar Pradesh Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti held meetings in Mirzapur and Prayagraj today. The meetings were addressed by the central officials of the Sangharsh Samiti, Jitendra Singh Gurjar, Mahendra Rai, Mohammad Wasim, Jawahar Lal Vishwakarma, and Prem Nath Rai.
