KPTCL employees in Shivamogga protested against proposed privatisation of electricity distribution, demanding continued government control to protect jobs and consumers
Shivamogga
Employees of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) staged a protest in Shivamogga opposing reports that the state government is considering allowing Tata Power Company Ltd. to enter the electricity distribution sector in Karnataka.
The demonstration was held near the KPTCL office at MRS Circle under the leadership of the district unit of the employees’ association, where members expressed strong opposition to the alleged proposal and demanded that the government reject any application for parallel licensing of power distribution.
Protesters said that reports published in newspapers indicated that Tata Power had applied to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission seeking permission to operate alongside existing state-run electricity distribution companies. They argued that allowing private participation in electricity distribution would undermine the public sector model that has been in place for decades.
The employees’ union stated that essential services such as electricity, water and public infrastructure should remain under government control to ensure equitable access and affordability. They also cited concerns that privatisation could lead to higher electricity tariffs, particularly affecting low-income households, farmers and small industries.
According to the protesters, private companies may prioritise urban and profitable regions while neglecting rural and less profitable areas. They warned that this could create regional imbalance in service delivery, especially in Malnad, coastal and backward rural regions of the state.
The union also expressed concern over job security, stating that private sector entry could reduce government recruitment opportunities and impact the employment prospects of thousands of youth in the power sector.
Speakers at the protest said that public investment in electricity infrastructure should not be transferred to private companies, arguing that it would be unfair to hand over assets built using public funds.
They urged the state government to reject the proposal in the interest of consumers, workers, farmers and the broader public. The employees reiterated their demand that electricity distribution should continue to remain under government ownership and control.
The protest was attended by several union leaders and members, including district office-bearers of the KPTCL employees’ association.
