THE Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has condemned the imposition of the draconian Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on the employees of the Haryana State Electricity Board by the BJP-led government.

CITU has extended total support to the employees who have been compelled to go on a two days’ strike against the decision of the state government to privatise 23 electricity distribution subdivisions with the highest revenue potential. This measure would lead to increase in power tariff, impose huge burdens on the common people and the consumers, besides affecting the service conditions of the employees. It is bound to increase the losses further and badly affect the state’s economy with wider implications on its ability to provide any relief to the poor and the common people.

It is highly regrettable that despite repeated attempts, the Haryana government has refused to discuss the issue with the joint action committee of electricity employees and closed all doors for highlighting their grievances through constitutional means. This adamant and highly undemocratic attitude of the Haryana government in deciding to go ahead with its decision of privatisation has left the JAC with no other option but to call for a strike on June 29-30. Instead of calling the JAC for discussions, the state government has now resorted to impose ESMA.

CITU demanded the Haryana state government immediately repeal imposition of ESMA on the electricity employees, call the representatives of the JAC for discussions, and withdraw its decision to privatise the distribution subdivisions in the state.

CITU has called upon the people of Haryana to fully stand behind the electricity employees who are fighting against measures that would increase the power tariff and the burdens on the people. It has called upon the working class all over the country to come out in support of the electricity employees through solidarity actions.