U.P. Power Minister warns striking workers to join back or face dismissal

Minister A.K. Sharma said services of 1,332 contractual employees have already been terminated.

Uttar Pradesh's Energy Minister A.K. Sharma on Saturday issued a stern warning to the striking Electricity Department employees to join their duties by 6 p.m., or face dismissal.

Services of 1,332 contractual employees have already been terminated, he said.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Sharma said, "A decision has been taken to initiate action against 22 persons from the department under the ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act). Apart from this, instructions have also been issued to lodge FIR against those who are damaging the government property, and obstructing others from discharging duties. FIR has been registered against 29 persons in this regard."

Also read: Power sector employees threaten nationwide strike over Electricity (Amendment) Bill

"Services of 1,332 contractual employees have been terminated. I once again request all the contractual employees to resume their duties by 6.00 pm, otherwise they will be dismissed from service tonight," he said.

He added that the outsourcing companies have been told to recruit new people to replace the dismissed employees.

"A list of people who have passed from the ITI, polytechnics and engineering colleges should be prepared to be hired as apprentices. A decision will be taken later (whether to continue their service or not)," he said.