Protest: Electricity employees and engineers protest against electricity bill in the city

Electricity employees and engineers have staged a protest against the central government's proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill. The protest, which was held on the call of the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), has been termed by the employees as anti-farmer and anti-consumer. In Gujarat, thousands of engineers and employees have once again protested against the privatisation policy by raising slogans against power offices. Power employees gathered at power plants and distribution offices in various parts of the country. The protesters have demanded that the proposed law will weaken the public power sector. The Bill will increase the entry of private players in the power distribution system, which will have an impact on the general public. According to the provisions of the bill, the change in cross-subsidy could lead to an increase in electricity tariffs for farmers. Farmers' unions are also expressing concern over the loss of farm relief. Private companies will focus only on profit-making areas, while the financial condition of state-run power companies may deteriorate. The Act is also likely to have an impact on the safety and service conditions of the employees working in the power sector. According to the federation, electricity is a service and should not be seen as a means of profit. Employees at Gandhinagar Thermal Power Station and other district offices in Gujarat have gathered to protest against these policies.