Latest news with #Powercom
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: PSPCL contractual staff demand regularisation
Jun 25, 2025 05:20 AM IST In an escalation of their long-standing struggle, PSPCL outsourced workers employed as complaint-handling bikes and wagons have announced a protest across Ludhiana on June 26, demanding job security and the rollback of privatisation policies. The workers' key demands include regularisation of outsourced employees engaged through private agencies. (HT Photo) The protest announced under the banner of Powercom and Transco Contractual Workers Union, is part of a coordinated state-wide agitation led by the Technical Services Union and the Coordination Committee of Powercom and Transco Outsourced Employees. Workers allege that the state government's move to privatise 10 divisions, including Kharar and Lalru, will result in loss of service benefits, and deteriorating working conditions. Additionally, their key demands include the regularisation of outsourced employees, many of whom have been working in the department for years through private agencies. The union has also demanded the termination of outsourcing contracts, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for those recruited after January 1, 2004, and withdrawal of recent labour law amendments. Balihar Singh, state president of the Powercom and Transco Contractual Workers Union stated, 'If our demands continue to be ignored, we will intensify our agitation with a massive mobilisation outside the PSPCL headquarters in Patiala on July 3.''
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Worker electrocuted during repair work, kin stage protest
Mohali: A tragic incident in the village of Mor Thikri in Derabassi claimed the life of 34-year-old contract worker, Lakhveer Singh, who was electrocuted while repairing an overhead power line. The deceased, a resident of Matwale village, is survived by his wife and two children. According to eyewitnesses and family members, Lakhveer Singh climbed a transformer on Monday to carry out repairs when he suffered an electric shock, which caused him to fall to his death. The incident has sparked outrage, with the victim's family and local farmer union leaders accusing Powercom of gross negligence. On Tuesday, grieving family members staged a protest outside the Powercom office, joined by representatives of farmer organisations. Protesters alleged that Powercom failed to secure the required safety permit before initiating repair work, because of which the transformer was live during the task. "Had power supply been shut down, this tragedy could have been averted," a protester said. The victim had reportedly been working under a private contractor associated with Powercom for the past three years. His family claimed that despite the fatality, no official from Powercom visited them or offered support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Trading con IA en Chile ayuda a usuarios a obtener ganancias potenciales! Mainhubfb Más información Undo "Not even a phone call—this is how they treat workers who risk their lives daily," said a family member. Protesters demanded immediate compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the victim's family and refused to allow postmortem till their demands were addressed. "We will not cremate the body till justice is served," said one of the protesters. They also cited the recent death of another lineman, Gagandeep, who died in similar circumstances days ago, raising further questions about the department's safety protocols. When approached for comment, SDO Gurjinder Singh confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated. "A detailed investigation is underway. Strict action will follow based on the findings," he said. As of the time of reporting, the protest continues, with tensions running high among villagers demanding accountability and support for the bereaved family. MSID:: 121600219 413 |
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Storm left Mohali powerless for hours
1 2 Mohali: A powerful thunderstorm that swept across the region a day before has left residents of Zirakpur, Mohali, Banur, and Kharar reeling from prolonged power outages, some lasting up to 22 hours. Strong winds toppled trees and electricity poles, damaging critical infrastructure and plunging several areas into darkness. In Zirakpur alone, around 25 electricity poles were reported to have collapsed, while Mohali saw 19 poles brought down. The resulting damage to overhead cables disrupted supply across residential and commercial areas, compounding the misery during soaring summer temperatures. Residents of Lohgarh in Zirakpur bore the brunt of the storm's impact, enduring a 23-hour blackout after a tree, weakened by nearby construction work, fell on power lines near Sarv Mangal Society. "We had no power all night. Despite calling officials, no one responded. Our inverters failed and the heat was unbearable," said a resident. The situation was no better in other parts of Mohali, including Sectors 76 to 80, 3B1, TDI City, and Phase 7, where power supply remained disrupted well into the following day. In Kharar, executive engineer Inderpreet Singh revealed that due to an ongoing employee strike, only five out of 40 staff were available to manage emergency repairs. "Our skeleton crew worked overnight to restore power, but the task was overwhelming," he admitted. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) deputy chief engineer Mohit Singh Sood acknowledged the scale of the challenge: "The strike left our teams overwhelmed. The limited number of available employees faced a herculean task trying to address complaints across the region." The prolonged blackout has sparked public outrage. Residents criticized Powercom for failing to provide timely updates and for not issuing prior warnings about scheduled outages. Many questioned the government's assurances about uninterrupted power supply. With restoration still ongoing in parts of the region, citizens are demanding an immediate overhaul of PSPCL's response system, proper staffing, and the modernization of infrastructure to prevent future breakdowns. Powercom has yet to release a comprehensive statement addressing the crisis. Mohali deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi openly criticized the state government's handling of the power crisis. "You offer 300 free units of electricity, but what good is it when there's no electricity in the first place?" he asked. He pointed to critical staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of safety equipment for temporary workers. "In 40-degree heat, patients relying on oxygen concentrators and other medical devices are suffering. This is a life-threatening issue," Bedi said. He further alleged that despite talk of recruiting 3,000 PSPCL staff, no linemen are being hired specifically for Mohali, leaving the city vulnerable during crises. "Temporary workers risk their lives for Rs 10–12,000 per month — and even that without safety gear. It's a recipe for disaster," he added. BOX Worst-hit areas Lohgarh in Zirakpur reported 23-hour blackout after a tree, weakened by nearby construction work, fell on power lines. The situation was no better in other parts of Mohali, including Sectors 76 to 80, 3B1, TDI City, and Phase 7, where power supply remained disrupted well into the following day. In Kharar, only five out of 40 staff were available to manage emergency repairs due to an ongoing employee strike. "Our skeleton crew worked overnight to restore power, but the task was overwhelming," executive engineer Inderpreet Singh admitted. Poles collapse In Zirakpur alone, around 25 electricity poles were reported to have collapsed, while Mohali saw 19 poles suffering extensive damage Water supply affected Deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi said due to heavy power cuts, there is a severe impact on water supply as well. Sectors 117, 118, 74A, Phase 3B2 and several other major areas of Mohali are facing a serious water crisis because water boosters have stopped functioning due to power failure. He mentioned that some of these areas fall under the municipal corporation. MSID:: 121345003 413 |
