The members of Urja Kamgar Sangathan (UKS) expressed disappointment over the fact that the State-based hydro power projects are being closed at regular intervals in the name of eco-sensitive zone.
The members attended the Sangathan’s meeting which was presided over by Rakesh Sharma, held on EC Road, in Dehradun, to discuss various important issues and demands pending before the State Government.The members opined that the State-based hydro power projects are important for the economy and the overall development of the State.However, such projects are being closed over the years in the name of eco-sensitive zone.
Uttarakhand was formed in the wake of the statehood activists sacrificing a lot while dreaming of the State emerging a Power State. But regretfully, after the State was formed the state-based power projects are being closed one after another. The dream is fizzling out to the unjustified histrionics being unleashed in the name of eco-sensitive zone, the refrain ran in course of the meeting. Currently, the State is purchasing power from the neighbouring states to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
This is leaving an adverse impact on the State’s revenue generation capacity. large amounts are being transferred to other states in the form of power being purchased with the exchequer being drained of resources.The hydro- power projects being shuttered, the State’s industrial scenario has remained gloomy. A delegation of Sangathan members will meet the State Chief Minister to inform him about the points raised and discussed during the meeting. On the occasion, the members discussed issues pertaining to all the three state –run power corporations.
The members demanded the services of the contractual, part- time workers and ad-hoc workers be regularized immediately as per the regularisation guidelines- 2013.The members decided to write to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary (power), urging them to take initiatives to have the vacant posts of the directors in all the three corporations filled. Works are being adversely affected in the absence of the regular directors in the corporations. In absence of regular director (finance) the economic status of three corporations is yet to be evaluated. The members demanded grade pay be hiked to Rs3000 from Rs2600.