Chandigarh: Electricity employees’ unions in Haryana have started taking action against members who reported for duty during the recent two-day strike against the government’s ‘parallel licence’ system. The unions have expelled a Junior Engineer (JE) in Panchkula and cancelled the membership of a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in Jind, while an engineers’ association is preparing a list of officers who continued working during the strike.
The action comes after the unions held a strike from October 22 to 24 and secured their demands through negotiations with the Chief Minister. The unions have now turned their attention to members who did not follow the call to join the protest.
JE in Panchkula, LDC in Jind Face Union Action
The All Haryana Power Corporation Workers Union has expelled JE Murlidhar, who is posted at the Mata Mansa Devi sub-division of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) in Panchkula.
According to the union’s expulsion letter, Murlidhar continued performing his duties despite the union’s call for a strike from October 22 to 24. His membership has been cancelled with immediate effect, and he will no longer be entitled to the rights available to members under the union’s constitution.
In a separate action, the HSEB Workers Union, headquartered in Bhiwani, has cancelled the membership of LDC Anju, posted at Sub-division No. 2 in Jind.
The union said she violated its directions during the joint strike held on October 22, 23 and 24. It has also decided that she will not be allowed to rejoin the union for five years. The union further stated that it would not extend any cooperation to her in the future.
Engineers’ Association Preparing List of Officials
The action may extend to more employees and officers. The Electricity Engineers’ Association is compiling a list of officials who remained on duty during the strike despite the association’s decision to participate.
The association plans to take action against those identified and terminate their membership. Further details are expected once the list is finalised.
‘Such Action Is Necessary,’ Says Engineers’ Association Leader
Baljit Beniwal, vice-president of the Haryana Power Engineers Association, defended the action against those who worked during the strike.
He said employees across the department had united to oppose the ‘parallel licence’ system and alleged that some individuals continued working in a way that undermined the protest.
Beniwal said the employees’ struggle was being carried out in the interest of the public and farmers. The unions have maintained a strict position on members who did not follow the strike call.