Power employees withdraw strike call

For privatisation of power distribution in nine cities in the state,the UPPCL had invited bids from the private sector in December 2008. Bids were received only for Agra and Kanpur. The TPL won both the bids. In May 2009,the UPPCL signed a MoU with TPL,handing over power distribution in Agra and Kanpur to the private franchise.

After a delay of over eight months,power distribution in Agra was handed over to the TPL on April 1. Though in Kanpur,the UPPCL had not decided on the date to hand over power distribution to TPL,it was expected to be done by the end of October.

“A committee comprising UPPCL officials and employee representatives will be constituted to suggest measures for improving power distribution in the state,” said Nandlal,Director of Personnel And Administration. He,however,refused to comment whether the agreement signed on Tuesday is an attempt by the UPPCL to buy peace with the employees.

On April 1,the unions had given a similar call for a strike after power distribution was handed over to the TPL in Agra. However,the strike call was withdrawn following assurance by the UPPCL that no there will be no further action on handing over power distribution to the private franchise in Kanpur.