Himachal Pradesh : HPSEBL Staff Observe Statewide Strike Against Proposed Privatisation Move

HPSEBL employees staged a statewide pen-down and tool-down strike against the Centre’s proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025, alleging it paves the way for privatisation of power distribution companies.

Shimla: Employees of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) observed a statewide pen-down and tool-down strike on Thursday in protest against the Centre’s proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025, alleging that it seeks to privatise power distribution utilities.

While office operations remained largely suspended, field staff ensured that essential services were maintained so that emergency power supply was not disrupted.

Nationwide Call Against Bill

The strike was held in response to a nationwide call given by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers. The protest was directed against certain provisions in the proposed Bill that employees claim would open the door to privatisation of electricity distribution companies.

Though the Bill has not yet been tabled in Parliament, employee resentment has intensified following the 16th Finance Commission’s reported recommendation favouring privatisation of distribution utilities instead of strengthening them financially.

Demonstrations Across 63 Locations

As part of the agitation, employees, engineers and pensioners organised demonstrations at 63 locations across the state, including outside the HPSEBL headquarters in Shimla. Protesters also reached out to consumers to mobilise public support against the proposed legislation.

Union leaders criticised what they termed the Centre’s “policy thrust” towards privatisation during the demonstrations. The protest at Shimla was addressed by senior union leaders, including convener Lokesh Thakur and co-convener Hira Lal Verma.

The leaders claimed the strike was a “complete success” across Himachal Pradesh and urged the Centre to withdraw the proposed Amendment Bill without delay. They warned that if the Bill is introduced in Parliament, the agitation would be intensified at the national level.

Key Concerns Raised

According to union representatives, the proposed legislation includes provisions for:

• Separation of carriage and content in power distribution
• Allowing multiple distribution licensees in the same area
• Phasing out cross-subsidy mechanisms

They argued that such measures could adversely affect public utilities and consumers, particularly in a geographically challenging state like Himachal Pradesh, potentially leading to a sharp rise in electricity tariffs.

The employees have indicated that further protests may follow if their concerns are not addressed.

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