Power Engineers Federation Announces Nationwide Strike on February 12, 2026
The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has formally served a notice for a nationwide strike scheduled for February 12, 2026. The notice was delivered to the Union Power Minister, with officials in Dehradun confirming the development on Saturday. This industrial action is a direct response to the government's alleged push for privatisation in the power sector and the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Deep Concerns Over Government Policies
AIPEF Chairperson Shailendra Dubey stated that the government's recent actions have sparked "deep concern and growing resentment among lakhs of power employees and engineers." He argued that current policies are systematically weakening the public power sector, which has long been a cornerstone of India's infrastructure.
Dubey specifically criticised the state's decision to sell power sector land, viewing it as a step towards dismantling public assets. He emphasised that the discontent is not limited to power employees alone but extends to a broader coalition including traders, farmers, students, teachers, and the general public.
Appeal to Authorities and Warning of Protests
In a direct appeal, Dubey called upon Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to withdraw the controversial order in the larger public interest. He issued a stern warning, indicating that if the decision is not reversed, it could trigger a mass movement. Additionally, the federation plans to organise protests against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill during the current budget session of Parliament.
Representation and Scope of the Federation
It is important to note that the All India Power Engineers Federation represents a vast network of power engineers employed in state power utilities across the country. The organisation also includes engineers associated with key central bodies such as the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). This wide representation underscores the potential impact of the planned strike on the nation's power infrastructure.
The announcement has set the stage for a significant confrontation between power sector employees and the government, with the 2026 strike date marking a critical point in ongoing debates over privatisation and regulatory changes in India's energy landscape.
