Preeti
Palampur
A strong protest erupted in Palampur against the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025/26, as members of the Joint Struggle Committee of the Electricity Board staged a tool and pen down strike. The demonstration, held under the leadership of Superintending Engineer Dheeraj Dhiman, took place during the lunch break and witnessed participation from hundreds of engineers, employees, pensioners, and local residents.
Key Highlights of the Protest
- Protesters labeled the proposed amendment as anti-consumer and anti-employee.
- Speakers including Pawan Sharotri, Amar Singh, Dharm Chand, B.R. Rana, R.K. Pathania, Om Prakash, Om Prakash Sharma (District Vice President), R.R. Rana (District President, Pensioners’ Forum), Kuldeep Chaudhary (State Vice President, Employees’ Union), and Amar Nath Sethi (State Vice President) warned of intensified agitation if the bill is passed in Parliament.
- Concerns were raised that the amendment could accelerate privatization in the power sector, adversely affecting employees’ service conditions, pensioners’ rights, and common consumers.
Demands and Warnings
- Protesters urged the Central Government to withdraw the bill immediately.
- They appealed to the Himachal Pradesh Government to take a clear stand in defense of employees, pensioners, and the public.
- Leaders cautioned that ignoring these demands would lead to a statewide escalation of the movement.
Community Support
The protest also saw participation from panchayat leaders and women’s groups, who extended solidarity to the cause.
The demonstration in Palampur reflects growing resistance across Himachal Pradesh, with unions and citizens uniting against what they perceive as a threat to public welfare and workers’ rights.
