In a significant escalation of their ongoing protest, employee and pensioner unions in Punjab have intensified their agitation against the state government's power sector policies. The fourth day of a chain hunger strike witnessed a critical development as 13 leaders from the joint platform of employees and pensioners' organisations began a 24-hour serial hunger strike. The protest is taking place directly in front of the Powercom head office in Patiala.
Core Grievances: Alleged Dismantling and Privatisation
The protestors are vehemently opposing what they term as the Punjab government's policy to sell off the valuable assets of the state power corporation. Addressing supporters at the hunger strike camp, union leaders launched a sharp critique against both the power management and the state administration. They alleged a concerted effort to dismantle the public sector institution by divesting its large-scale, priceless assets.
Leaders argued that this move is designed to financially cripple the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). They further accused the central government of complicity, claiming an intent to hand over the crucial utility to private capitalists. The dire consequence, according to them, would be electricity becoming unaffordable for common citizens and the farming community, jeopardizing public welfare and agriculture.
Specific Demands and Upcoming Agitation
The protesting unions have laid out a clear list of demands for the authorities. A primary request is the implementation of the agreement reached on August 10, which was brokered in the presence of State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, concerning employee and pensioner issues.
Their other key demands include:
- Release of the pending 16 percent dearness allowance.
- Regularisation of contract workers and providing them job security.
- Filling thousands of vacant posts within the power corporation through proper recruitment channels.
- Strict implementation of the principle of equal pay for equal work.
The leaders also issued a stern warning against the anti-people draft of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 and the four labour codes, vowing to mobilise for fierce struggles against them.
Warning of an Unprecedented Showdown
Marking a future course of action, the spokespersons announced a major escalation. They declared that on January 21, an unprecedented state-level dharna (sit-in protest) will be staged by power employees and pensioners in front of the PSPCL head office. This gathering is poised to be a significant show of strength, from where the strategy for the next phase of their fierce struggle will be formally announced. The ongoing hunger strike sets the stage for this larger confrontation, keeping the pressure on the Punjab government to address their concerns.
