Northeast power workers back Uttar Pradesh privatization protest

Power workers from eight northeastern states have shown support for electricity employees in Uttar Pradesh who are protesting against privatization. During a conference in Guwahati, they passed a resolution opposing the government's decision. Shailendra Dubey, chairman of the All-India Power Engineers’ Federation, stated that if the government does not reverse its plans, protests will intensify. The Uttar Pradesh electricity workers' group, known as the Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, criticized the bidding process for hiring a consultant for privatizing two power distribution companies. They claimed the process was illegal and rigged. They also raised concerns about the removal of important conflict-of-interest provisions, suggesting it could lead to a major scam affecting electricity in 42 districts. On March 24, the group has organized a large gathering, or 'Bijli Maha Panchayat,' in Meerut. This event aims to mobilize consumers and farmers. Protests are ongoing in multiple cities across the state, including Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur, and Bareilly.