Bengaluru : The All India Power Engineers Federation strongly opposes the hasty introduction of the Electricity Amendment Bill-2022 by the central government in Parliament. Prior to its presentation, the federation emphasizes the importance of consulting with electrical engineers, the general public, farmers, and other stakeholders regarding the proposed bill.

During the Executive Committee meeting held in Bengaluru, the All India Power Engineers Federation reached a consensus that the central government should refrain from rushing the bill for any reason. Its implementation would primarily benefit the private sector at the expense of consumers and professionals serving in the power sector. Furthermore, the federation warns that the farming community will suffer significant repercussions.

AIPEF President Shailendra Dubey, General Secretary P. Ratnakara Rao*, and other representatives expressed their concerns regarding the central government's contradictory actions. While a letter was sent to the Kisan Morcha assuring discussions with farmers prior to the bill's presentation, a unilateral decision was made in the cabinet to introduce the bill, causing distress among power sector employees. The central government has neglected the importance of consulting with stakeholders. Under the new bill, subsidies would be eliminated, and consumers would bear the burden of all costs. Farmers are particularly worried about facing monthly electricity bills ranging from 10 to 12 thousand rupees for agricultural pump sets.

It is imperative to conduct extensive consultations with electricity consumers, engineers, and staff members. Decisions should be made based on a comprehensive understanding of everyone's perspectives. Therefore, the federation recommends that the bill be submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power Affairs. The Standing Committee emphasizes the need for thorough consultations with all stakeholders to gather their insights before formulating any amendments.

The unilateral decision made during the Union Cabinet meeting to introduce the bill is an alarming development. The federation highlights that over one lakh electrical engineers across the country will face difficulties as a result, holding the central government responsible for the consequences.

The press conference was attended by Mr. K. Shivanna, President of the KEB Engineers Association; Ashok Rao, Patron of AIPEF; Sudhakar Reddy T.N, General Secretary of KEBEA and Finance Secretary of AIPEF and Basavaraju H. B, Senior Vice President of KEBEA

Representatives from various states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and Maharashtra, participated in the meeting.