Orissa is the Ist state in the country where state electricity board has been unbundled by creating 2 corporations viz – Gridco and OHPC. Prior to this the major Thermal Power Station (TTPS) of the than OSEB has sold to NTPC on a throwing price. The OPGC which was engaged in generation of Hydro Generation was privatised and the AES (an American Company) has taken over the OPGC. Subsequently 4 distribution companies viz-CESCO, NESCO, WESCO & SOUTHCO have been created for looking after the distribution affairs of the electricity in Orissa. At the Ist phase the NESCO , WESCO & SOUTHCO were privatised and the BSES (at present Reliance Energy Ltd) has taken over the management of the three Distcos. Similarly the AES, had taken over the management of CESCO. But it could not maintain and left the management leaving behind huge financial burden on Govt. At present the CESCO is maintained by the GRIDCO/Govt.

The present state government in order to implement the Electricity Act –2003 had taken steps for further unbundling of GRIDCO. Decision has been taken to create two separate corporation namely power trading corporation (PTC) and Transmission Corporation (Transco)and global tender to privatize these companies have been invited. But the process of further unbundling of GRIDCO has been stayed upto June 2005 as per the CMP declared by the U.P.A Govt. If the EA is not repealed/scrapped within May 2005 by the Central Government, than it is expected that the Orissa Government may take it seriously four unbundling of GRIDCO &privatisation thereof. It is hoped that, this council meeting and the fourth coming convention of NCCOEEE will take a decision to take all possible steps to repeal/scrap the EA in the interest of the common man and the employee of Energy Sector as well.

Regarding the functioning of the Distcos, it is experienced that the Management of all the DISTCO are only concentrated their work for increasing the revenue collection ignoring the interest of the employees/worker power supply to about 40% of Cyclone affected villagers since –1999. The revenue collection of the Distcos increased, consumer strength has been increased, number of substations increased and the loss level has been reduced. But the man power of the Distcos and the GRIDCO has been reduced drastically. Even though work pressure has been increased, no new recruitment has been made at grassroot level. The consumers are not being provided with proper service. The employees benefits/dues are not being paid. Even the salaries of the employees are not being paid in time. Retirement/death claim of the employees of Distcos are not paid. The PF accumulations of the retired/death employee are not paid for years together. In such a situation when the legitimate dues of the employees are not paid and required number of employees at grass root level are not recruited, on the mere plea of financial crisis, the REL is going on appointing a good number of retired personnel’s in high salaried posts causing unnecessary financial burden. It is pertinent to mention here that although all the Distco’s (except CESCO) are making profit., yet the Distcos have applied for revision of Electricity Tariff w.e.f 0.04.2004 and the tariff hike of about 30% is expected within this month.

There are 3 federations functioning in Orissa Energy Sector (1) led by INTUC (2) Lead by AITUC (3) led by NFITU. Out of the 3 federations the AITUC lead federation is the big federation and our union at state level is affiliated to it. All the three federation are not functioning properly and they are not espousing the cause of the employees properly. Even the AITUC led federation and its leadership is not carrying out the decision of the all India Federation. Due to such inactiveness of the federation the wage revision of the employees of energy sector of Orissa due w.e.f 01.04.2000 has not yet been finalised. The employees have lost faith on such leadership. It may be noted here that the AITUC led federation have not taken decision to mobilise /take part in 24.2.2004. All India Strike and on 10.12.2004 "March to Parliament" programme of NCCOEEE.

When this is the situation of the Federations, our Sangha in South Orissa is functioning actively, participate in all India programmes deals the problems of the workers properly, organise agitations from time totime and particularly involve in the programmes/directions of EEFI. Due to such involvement, employees have put faith on our Sangha and the membership of our Sangha is increasing. As per the decision of EEFI and NCCOEEE though we have not participated in the all India strike of 24.2.04, yet we have organized demonstration in front of RDC office along with employees of state government and others. Similarly seven members of south zone attended the "March to parliament" programme of 10.12.04 to protest that E.A. 2003. We had also undertaken a campaign against the EA 2003.

In order to strengthen the sangha and to get some of the demands of the employees the union have organized certain agitational programmes and general meeting. On 9.6.2004 there is a demonstration in front of local GRIDCO, authority and submitted a memorandum protesting the proposal of State Govt. for unbundling of GRIDCO. A copy of such memorandum was also sent to EFFI. During the last year union had submitted notices for agitation for 2 times to the Southco management. On both the occasions the management of Southco have invited for discussion and some of our demands like reinstatement of compulsorily retired workman, payment of retirement benefits, Waival of limit on TA, promotion of employees have been fulfilled. Due to our demand the management have agreed to fill-up need based base level posts and accordingly written minutes of discussions were drawn. All these actions have increased the fame Sangha and the employees have confidence on our sangha.

During Nov.2004 the 23rd Regional Conference of Sangha was held at Berhampur for 3 days in which Com. K.R. Unnithan from EEFI attended as Chief Guest. The attendance in the conference was beyond expectation. About 300 delegates attended the conference. The discussions made by the delegates are very much encouraging.

To conclude, it is to report here that amongst other decisions/regulations the conference adopted a resolution for forming a separate union in the state to be affiliated to EEFI. Steps are being taken to form a separate union very shortly. It is expected that EEFI will extend its full cooparation to our Sangha.

Activities of United Electricity Employees Union in Andhra Pradesh

The union has taken up temporary employees problems in a big way. After districtwise agitations conducted Discom.wise agitations and finally on 22.7.04, there was a big rally of 10 thousand workers in Hyderabad during budget session of Assembly. During this campaign, IFTU Union in Mahaboob Nagar District, BMS Union in East & West Godavari Districts, and many small independent unions in Kadapa, Kurnool districts have merged into our union.

As an experiment, we conducted Jeet Jotas in 10 districts, going to all sub-stations and Sections offices in which nearly 5000 contract and permanent workers were interacted.

Union took up this contract workers’ problems, whose number has swelled largely due to the Government’s policies, roughly they even out number the permanent employees. This has stirred even permanent employees who are now being attracted towards United Electricity Employees Union.

This type of agitational method is helping the union to expand its base. Our union leadership including general secretary, undertook indefinite fast on bill collectors problems from 13th December,2004 for 4 days. On these days, daily there was a demonstration before A.P. TRANSCO head quarters, which were daily latte charged and arrested. On 16th a Minister came to the tent and promised to settle this issue.

But, our Union failed to react on the Electricity Act 2003 and its consequential impact on our society. This is a mistake on the part of our leadership itself. Due to bogging down in day-to-day issues. We failed to recognise that aspect. We will definitely correct it in future.

But occasionally, some piecemeal work we are doing for the protection of our Genco and Other related issues, which is also not systematic. We will rectify that also..

From the 1st January,2005, the Department of Power, government of Tripura has constituted as a Public Limited Company named as TRIPURA STRATE ELECTRICITY CORPORATION LIMITED in exercise of power conferred by Sections 131 and 133 of the Electricity Act 2003. To develop the electrical arrangement of the state in tune with the modern technology, limitation of economy, incessant pressure of Central Government the despotic naked role of Central Government (RBI deducted Rs.5.5 Crores in October and 5.5 Crores in Novemebr,2004 from allotted fund of State Govt. without prior information) the state government was compelled to corporatise the department. Inspite of this, the state government has decided that the 100% of share of the Corporation will be in the hand of the state government All employees of the department are deputed to Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited. Service condition of the employees shall continue to be governed by the rules and regulations by which we were governed.

Comrades, demand in Peak Hour of the state is 160 to 162 MW installed capacity 122 MW Generation 70MW. No.of consumers 3,02,000. Rate of unit in average Rs.2.31 paise. Corporation is purchasing power 40 MW average daily in Peak Hour from NEEPCO and NHPC. To mitigate the shortfall there is 1 to land half hour Load-shedding imposed daily in rural and urban areas in a same manner on rotation. Total numbers of workers Engineers and employees of the corporation is 4000 (approx.) Total workers in the Corporation are approx. 2800 amongst them 90% of the workers is members of our union. There are four other union of engineers consisting 700 members approx. Other union have very meager strength.

Comrades, we are possessing the conception that we have to protect our economic interest, we must build the corporation, we will contribute us for this noble cause. Our slogan is, we are for each other, we are for the corporation, we are for the people.

Comrades, we are aware, about the Fund/Bank dictated new liberal economic policy and its pernicious effects on the overwhelming majority people of the population. Vigorous, aggressive, reckless motive of the Central Govt., communalism and religious bigotry in various part of the country, brutal victims of frenzied forces of separatisms, ethnic hatred. The report of the General Secretary enriched us also. Specially, the detailed views narrated regarding the Electricity Act, 2003 affluent us. Giving support to the report and plan for strike after proper campaign. I am hereby touching some salient points briefly kept this aspects in mind specially for the North-East.

Low bearing capacity of Load of the Transmission Line

The line constructed by the PGCL taking loan.

PGCL is taking .35 Paise/KWH from the customer state

The availability and the demand is inconsistent reciprocally purchase of power in Peak and selling in off peak hindered due to transmission line capacity.

Rate of gas is higher in comparison with other region. This adversely effecting the power sector of north east.

There should be a uniform policy in respect of Fuel cost, transmission charges. It may be mentioned here that Mr. Kumar Mangalam, hon’ble Ex-minister for power assured the minister for power assured the minister for power of North-East state will be in the New Act considering the backwardness of this area. But all are vain, vague. Slogan for Rural electrification, affordable rate, steady power supply will be in doldrums, Relation and communication with central office, specially North-East state and also throughout the country should improve.

The working committee meeting has to review the World Bank package of structural adjustment programme, Power Sector Reform, ghastly exploitation of the economy of developing countries by the advanced countries, disastrous economic policy of the UPA Govt. activities of communal and divisive forces and to evolve a common understanding which will enable us to chalkout action programme nationwide in the forthcoming period not only for self but keeping view for the entire toiling masses are eagerly aspiring for. Lastly, I conclude paying our deep condolence for countless people who lost their lives due to divested Tsunami our heart bleeds for hundreds of victims all over the world.

National Co-ordination Committee of electricity employees & Engineers, Assam Branch formed to build up united movement against the Electricity act-2003 and since its inspection there are 18 nos. of Unions and Associations functioning in Assam State Electricity Board it has been taken part in the joint movement and like in central Committee (New Delhi) the Association of Engineers, ASEB is taking the leading role of the NCCOEEE , AB, Committee. ASEB Technical Workers Union affiliated to the INTUC has not participated in the joint platform. NCCOEEE, AB has submitted three-point demand to the Govt. of Assam and ASEB Management as follows:

NCCOEE&E, Assam Branch submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister of Assam, staged Sit-in demonstration in front of the Assembly, staged Dharna in ASEB Head Quarter in several times, submitted a memorandum to Hon’ble Governor of Assam jointly signed by ten thousands ASEB Employees, organized state level and District level convention, Tool down/Pen down strike ,and lastly 24 hours Electricity strike on 9th December,04. The strike was grand success, though at the eleventh hours the office bearers of the Association of engineers did not participate in the Strike and signed the tripartite agreement with the Govt. of Assam and ASEB Management on the reform process.

Govt. of Assam by a notification on 10th Dec’04 has unbundled ASEB in five Companies. Assam Power Grid Corporation. Assam Electricity Generating Company, and for Distributions, Upper/Central/Lower Assam Electricity Distribution company and there is still ASEB to look after these companies for one year. The function of the new companies already started. The Govt. of Assam had taken up these steps only to grab the ADB loan without waiting for review of electricity Act-2003 as per commitment of CMP of the UPA Govt. at Centre. NCCOEE&E, Assam Branch had discussion with the Power Minister, Govt. of Assam on 2nd Dec’04 and 8th Dec’04, that failed to settle the three point demands, and it has also decided to carry out the united struggle to protest the anti-State & anti-Employees move of the Govt.

It may be mentioned here that Assam state power workers Union affiliated to the AIFEE is not actively taking part in the joint movement and has not participated in the 9th December strike. ASEB Engineers Association has entered into tripartite agreement with the Government on 8th December and had not participated in 9th December strike.

We would like to request you to take up the matter of ASEB unbundling at the National level at time of discussion with Govt. of India.

BIHAR – JHARKHAND -BIHAR JHARKHAND RAJYA VIDHYT PARISHAD FIELD KAMGAR UNION

According to the due order and dignity WBSEB Workmen’s Union celebrated birth centenary of Comrade B.T. Ranadive, one the precursor of Working class movement in India and founder President of Centre of Indian trade Unions. A special issue of Union’s organ "Sathi Hatiar", consisting of writings of BTR, on the eve of inaugural ceremony of BTR birth centenary by CITU 19-12-2003 at Kolkata. Afterwards Union organized intra State competition of cartoon & caption, slogan, poster based on Mass & Trade Union movement of India in the light of BTR writings. The competition items were exhibited on 20 & 21st. November,2004 at exhibition Hall of Union’s building "Mohit Moitra Bhaban". A panel of judges comprising of renowned artists selected 3 best items from each group as best creation. On the 21st. Nov.,2004, intra State lecture competition was held at the same place on 8 subjects based on mass, Trade Union and peasant movement on the sprit of BTR life long struggle. Panel of judges selected best 3 amongst 8 subject as well as best orator in each group.

On 19th. December closing ceremony of BTR birth centenary at Mumbai, Union organized mass mobilization in 24 District & projects Head Quarters where life and movement of BTR was discussed by Union and CITU leaders of the State. In some places Blood Donation Camp, Quiz contest on BTR and other competitions were organized.

WBSEB Workmen’s Union launched movement in demand to fill up all vacant posts in WBSEB and WB Power development Corpn. Ltd,(WBPDCL) from 6th. December,2004 to 10th. January, 2005. Mobilization of all categories of Staffs to submit the memorandum to the authority demanding immediate recruitment in vacant posts were organized in 850 units between 6-15 December,2004, 250 Sub-Divisions between 16-31 December,2004 and on the 10th. January,2005 in Circle, Zonal and Divisional level. Finally on the 24th. January,2005 memorandum was submitted to the top management on the same demand. On agitation of the Union, Govt. of West Bengal approved new recruitment in 1280 vacant posts in WBSEB and process of recruitment was also approved in WBPDCL.

Union appealed all power workers in WBSEB & WBPDCL to donate in an open-handed manner to help the people affected by "Tsunami" causing universal dissolution. Already Union deposited over Rs. 1.5 lakhs to CITU Relief Fund. Besides, power workers, officers and Engineers working in WBSEB & WBPDCL donated one day’s salary in West Bengal Chief Minister’s Tsunami Relief Fund.

WBSEB Workmen’s Union, largest Union in West Bengal Power Sector, actively organized demonstration for Mass awakening programme called by NCCOEEE between 16-30 November, 2004 in collaboration with NCCOEEE, West Bengal Chapter in every district in West Bengal. Union’s active role in this programme attracts every officer, staffs and Engineers for massive participation in the demonstration.

Union also mobilized massive employees in every office/Sub-Station and Project on 24/11 against Petroleum price hike, on 28-1-2005 to observer NPMO(WB) programme and on 7-2-2005 against National Electricity Policy adopted by Union Govt. without modification of Electricity Act,2003.

Telegram/Faxes are being sent from every unit(800 Nos.) of our Union to the respective Chief Minister against unbundling of PSEB, UPSEB, MSEB and GSEB.

Union feels pride to organize Working Committee of EEFI in Kolkata in his own building Mohit Moitra Bhaban in January 12-13 this year. Union tried his best to make it success.