Hyderabad: Electricity artisans in Telangana will launch an indefinite strike from July 14, demanding conversion to permanent employee status. Protesters gathered outside the Electricity Bhavan in Nakkalagutta, Hanamkonda, on Wednesday under the banner of the TVAC JAC, braving the rain and raising slogans against the current system.
The artisans, who have been pushing for their services to be regularised, warned that the strike will intensify unless the government responds. TVAC JAC chairman Eshwar Rao called on workers across districts to join the agitation, insisting that conversion based on educational qualifications would not financially burden the electricity utilities.
He demanded immediate cancellation of the standing order that blocks conversion and urged support from regular employees and the Telangana Power Employees JAC. Rao said retired artisans are leaving service with no retirement benefits, leaving them in distress.
He warned that no amount of suspension or threats would deter their movement. He said if the government and management continue to ignore their demands, workers will stage protests with their families outside utility offices. If needed, the workers would disrupt the electricity supply across the state, he said.
JAC state convener Wazir, co-chairmen G. Nagaraju and V. Narender, and co-conveners K. Venkatesh and K. Krishnamachari were among those who participated in the protest.