PDD Strike: Update on Talks Between Admin and JKPECC Representatives.

As PDD continue with their strike over privatization the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole claimed that the talks with the representatives of the J&K Power Employees and Engineers Coordination Committee (JKPECC) have remained fruitful.

Div Comm said there is “no point of disagreement” now, but hastened to add that since there is no “patch-up” in Jammu, the Coordination Committee has decided to carry on the strike in Kashmir as well.

“We had a meeting with them for two consecutive days and there is no point between the two parties where there is any kind of disagreement. The leaders have also informed us that there is no point of disagreement,” Pole told Kashmir Observer.

The Div com appealed to the Coordination Committee that taking the public hostage is not the right way to press their demands.

“Even there are many rulings on this from the different Courts that the public servants can’t take the people hostage to press their demands,” he added.

When asked if the Coordination Committee has refused to call off the strike, what’s the arrangement the administration is going to take in Kashmir, Pole said

“We will appraise you. I’m sure the issue will get resolved as the talks are going well,” he said.
Pole appealed to JKPECC not to take people ‘hostage’ amid the bone chilling cold to press for their demands.

Situation in Kashmir more difficult.

Pole said that the situation in Kashmir is more difficult than Jammu because of the severe cold.

“This is not an appropriate time to go for a strike. The supply of electricity during winters in Kashmir is similar to food,” Pole said.

His appeal came after thousands of employees of the Power Development Department went on an indefinite strike across J&K against the proposed privatisation of PDD.

Nearly 20,000 employees of PDD under the banner of JKPECC have boycotted work since Friday, resulting in a major power breakdown amid extreme cold wave in the Valley.

The protesting employees are demanding scrapping the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and standard bidding document for privatization of electricity.