The Impressive TimesChandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini chaired a review meeting with administrative secretaries to assess the prevailing situation in the state, particularly concerns surrounding the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (HERC) decision to grant a power distribution licence to a private company in Gurugram and Nuh.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that the Haryana government stands firmly with electricity employees and will strongly oppose the decision before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL).
He stated that the government would file an appeal against HERC’s decision and vigorously pursue the case to protect the interests of electricity employees. Saini further assured that if electricity employee unions wish, the government is prepared to engage lawyers of their choice to represent the case.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing employees’ concerns, the Chief Minister said that the doors for dialogue would always remain open. He also appealed to electricity employee unions to refrain from going on strike and resolve their concerns through discussions.
In view of the prevailing situation, Chief Minister Saini directed all government departments to adopt a proactive approach and remain prepared to handle any potential disruptions.
He instructed officials to ensure that electricity services remain uninterrupted, particularly during the festive season, so that the general public does not face inconvenience due to any possible strike by power employees.
The Chief Minister also directed authorities to maintain law and order and ensure that no antisocial elements exploit the situation to create disturbances under the guise of protests or strikes.
To strengthen coordination and monitoring, the Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to constitute district-level committees to assess the situation and submit regular reports to a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
These committees will monitor developments at the district level and coordinate with the state administration to ensure that essential services continue without disruption.
The Chief Minister emphasised that all departments must remain alert and take preventive measures to safeguard public convenience and maintain administrative efficiency.
Meanwhile, Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij clarified that the state government had not invited applications from private companies for electricity distribution licences in Haryana.
He explained that the existing provisions under HERC regulations allow any eligible company to apply for a distribution licence.
Vij further stated that the Haryana government, in coordination with the Engineers’ Association, had opposed the proposal to grant a licence to a private company from the beginning.
He reiterated that the government’s position on the matter has remained consistent and that it continues to support the concerns raised by electricity employees.
The Haryana government’s decision to challenge the HERC order before APTEL reflects its stated commitment to addressing the concerns of power sector employees while ensuring uninterrupted electricity services for residents across the state.
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