Government and Employees United Against Parallel Electricity Licence: Energy Minister Anil Vij


Haryana Government Challenged the Decision to Grant Electricity Licence to Private Company from Day One: Anil Vij


Government Will Act Under Sections 108 and 94, Prepares to File Review Petition: Energy Minister


Electricity Employees Call Off Strike; Positive Talks Between Government and Unions


On Parallel Electricity Licence Issue, Anil Vij Says Government Had Not Invited Applications from Any Private Company


Panchkula, October 23 — Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the state government has opposed the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission’s decision to grant a parallel electricity licence to a private company from the very first day. He clarified that the government had not invited applications from any private company in this regard. However, the Electricity Act, 2003 contains a provision under which any concerned person may submit an application before the Commission.


Sh. Vij was responding to questions from media persons here today after a meeting with electricity unions representatives.


He said that from the day the matter came to light, electricity employees’ unions opposed it, and the state government also clearly presented its position. He had elaborated on the government’s stand in the Legislative Assembly as well and appealed to other political parties that, if they agreed on the issue, they could present their case before the Commission.


The Energy Minister said that the government had, from the beginning, adopted the approach of challenging the decision and pursuing legal options against it. In today’s discussion with representatives of electricity employees’ unions, it was agreed that under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, the state government can issue necessary directions to the Commission. Accordingly, officials have been directed to take immediate action. In addition, under Section 94 of the Act, we will also file a review petition, and officials have been directed in this regard.


He said that the government stands with the electricity employees’ unions on this issue. In the same spirit, employee representatives announced the withdrawal of the strike and asked employees to return to work to restore electricity supply with immediate effect.


He said that positive discussions took place today between the government and the employees’ unions in a cordial atmosphere. He added that discussions on the employees’ remaining demands would continue, and a meeting has been scheduled in Chandigarh on November 3 in this regard.