📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Jobs & Career
Haryana power workers protest private sector entry, warn of job losses
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 24 Oct 2026, 11:34 AM
👁 16
Electricity department staff in Haryana staged a protest against the government's plan to allow private players in the power sector, fearing it will eliminate existing government jobs.
A group of power sector employees in Haryana organized a demonstration to oppose the state's decision to open the electricity market to private firms. The workers argued that allowing private players would undermine the existing cadre of government employees, leading to a gradual erosion of their jobs.
Union representatives highlighted that the current workforce, recruited under government service rules, enjoys job security, pension benefits, and regular pay scales, which could be jeopardised if the sector is privatized. They called for a dialogue with the state administration to explore alternatives that protect employee rights.
The protest, held at the state electricity department's headquarters, saw workers chanting slogans such as "Government jobs will be finished" and demanding that the government halt any further privatization steps until their concerns are addressed.
State officials, while acknowledging the workers' apprehensions, reiterated that the move aims to improve efficiency and attract investment in the power sector. They assured that any transition would be carried out in compliance with existing labour laws.
The standoff underscores the broader debate across India on balancing reforms with job security for public sector employees.
Union representatives highlighted that the current workforce, recruited under government service rules, enjoys job security, pension benefits, and regular pay scales, which could be jeopardised if the sector is privatized. They called for a dialogue with the state administration to explore alternatives that protect employee rights.
The protest, held at the state electricity department's headquarters, saw workers chanting slogans such as "Government jobs will be finished" and demanding that the government halt any further privatization steps until their concerns are addressed.
State officials, while acknowledging the workers' apprehensions, reiterated that the move aims to improve efficiency and attract investment in the power sector. They assured that any transition would be carried out in compliance with existing labour laws.
The standoff underscores the broader debate across India on balancing reforms with job security for public sector employees.