World · India Bureau
Gurugram power workers strike against privatisation plan
Power distribution workers in Gurugram have halted operations in protest against the state government's privatisation initiative, leaving several areas without electricity. The industrial action highlights growing concerns among utility staff about job security and service standards.
LSN India ·
Power supply disruptions affected multiple sections of Gurugram on Tuesday as electricity workers downed tools in opposition to the Haryana state government's plan to privatise distribution services in the National Capital Region satellite city.
The strike, organised by power sector unions, saw workers abstain from routine operations and maintenance activities, resulting in blackouts across residential and commercial zones. Union representatives characterised the action as a last resort to resist what they described as an anti-worker policy that threatens employment and public service delivery.
Oficials from the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL), the state-run distribution company, acknowledged the disruptions but did not provide immediate details on restoration timelines. The privatisation proposal has faced consistent opposition from worker organisations, who argue that transition to private management would compromise service quality and workforce stability.
Privatisation of power distribution remains contentious across India, with states experiencing recurring labour unrest as utilities consider structural reforms. The Gurugram incident adds to mounting pressure on the Haryana government to address worker grievances before implementing its privatisation roadmap.