MSEDCL workers begin their 3-day long strike; power supply not to be affected

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited MSEDCL also known as Mahavitaran said that electricity supply across the state will remain uninterrupted despite the start of a 72hour strike by a section of its workforce on Thursday reported the PTIAccording to a statement issued by MSEDCL around 62 per cent of engineers officers and employees did not take part in the ldquoillegalrdquo strike and emergency arrangements ensured that consumers experienced no major disruption in servicesMSEDCL noted that despite having taken a positive stance on the demands raised by the Joint Action Committee JAC representing seven power employee unions and even providing written assurances the strike was still carried outAs electricity is classified as an essential service the government invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act MESMA rendering the strike unlawfulldquoApproximately 62 per cent of employees reported for duty supported by over 20000 external technical personnel Emergency control rooms have been activated at Mahavitarans Mumbai headquarters and at regional offices to monitor supply continuouslyrdquo Mahavitaran said according to the PTIAdditional manpower from contract staff nonstriking employees and registered contractors has been deployed to local offices and substations Consumers facing power issues have been advised to use central helplines and customer service centres it saidMSEDCL further said that all employee leaves have been cancelled barring serious medical or personal emergencies Those already on leave have been asked to report back to work immediatelyldquoTeams are working roundtheclock to manage any disruptions Consumers are advised not to trust misleading information regarding outagesrdquo MSEDCL stated as per the PTIThe strike was called in opposition to perceived privatisation and restructuring plans However MSEDCL strongly denied these claimsSenior officials including Additional Chief Secretary Abha Shukla and MSEDCL CMD Lokesh Chandra held meetings with union leaders to clarify that no privatisation was planned The allegation that 329 substations would be outsourced was also refutedTo address employee concerns MSEDCL highlighted recent improvements includingcreation of two new division officesestablishment of 37 subdivisions and 30 branch officesrecruitment of 876 new technical and engineering posts and that no existing posts would be cut and reservations and staffing structures would remain unchangedMSEDCL also warned of strict disciplinary action against the participation in the strike stating that the newly recruited staff less than one year may face terminationcontract workers within their first three years may have contracts cancelled and the permanent employees risk suspension or service breaksIt said that the emergency support have been ramped up including deployment of standby personnel equipment and vehicles Special priority is being given to maintain electricity for critical services such as hospitals water supply schemes mobile towers and government offices the news agency reportedIf any outages occur alternative supply arrangements will be activated immediately the MSEDCL assuredwith PTI inputs