CPI (M) Opposes Privatisation of Power Sector in A&N Islands

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 08: Andaman and Nicobar State Conference of Communist Party of India (Marxist) held on 28 – 29 December, 2024 through a resolution has opposed the privatization of the power sector in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Conference observed with grave concern and anxiety that the Central Government has decided to privatise the power sector in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Conference noted that at present the power generation, transmission and distribution are handled by the Electricity Department by utilising the services of hundreds of workers, employees and Engineers.
The CPI (M) Conference noted that the BJP-led central government is going ahead with creation of companies for handling the Electricity related works in the islands, which will definitely lead to closure of the Electricity Department. Subsequently, these companies will be handed over to private firms from mainland. The CPI (M) is of the view that with the privatization of power sector, the job of the existing workers, employees and Engineers will be adversely affected. They will no longer be government employees and will become employees of the Companies and subsequently to the employees of private power firms. The Conference noted that this will block any further job opportunity for the local unemployed youth in the Electricity Department. The CPI (M) Conference further noted that privatisation of power sector will lead to sharp increase in the power tariffs which will affect people from all walks of lives and the business community in the islands. The poorer sections in the islands cannot afford the huge electricity bills of the private power firms.
The CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Conference, therefore, urged upon the Government of India to refrain from privatising the power sector in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and allow the present set up of Electricity Department to run the power related works in the islands for the benefit of the islanders as a whole and existing employees and workers in particular.
A copy of the resolution has been submitted to the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration by D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee.