India is bracing for a massive one-day nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, as over 27 lakh power sector employees from across the country prepare to protest against the proposed privatisation of two major power distribution companies (discoms) in Uttar Pradesh. The strike is being coordinated by the All India Power Engineers' Federation (AIPEF) under the leadership of its chairman, Shailendra Dubey, and is supported by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE).

The discoms at the heart of the protest are Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (DVVNL). These two entities service 42 out of the 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh, covering a massive footprint and catering to millions of power consumers.

Why Are Power Employees Protesting?

At the core of the unrest is the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to privatise these two discoms, a move that AIPEF and other unions say will lead to:

• Asset transfer to private companies at undervalued rates.

• Monopolistic control by private players, potentially resulting in higher tariffs for end-users.

• Loss of benefits to farmers and underprivileged consumers, who currently enjoy subsidies and support under the public discom system.

Shailendra Dubey, Chairman of AIPEF, claims that senior government officials and Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) are “in collusion with selected private houses” and are deliberately attempting to sell discom assets worth lakhs of crores at throwaway prices.

He warned that if this privatisation goes through, power supply could be affected nationwide, especially during the strike. “We will not be responsible if power supply is affected,” he said, indicating that the workers' unions will not take accountability for any disruptions.

Impact of the July 9 Power Sector Strike

The strike is likely to have nationwide repercussions, especially considering the sheer number of workers participating. It includes engineers, junior engineers, linemen, substation operators, and other technical staff vital to the functioning of the country’s power grid.

The strike and protest demonstrations are expected to be held across major cities including:

• Hyderabad

• Thiruvananthapuram

• Vijayawada

• Chennai

• Bengaluru

• Mumbai

• Nagpur

• Raipur

• Bhopal

• Jabalpur

• Vadodara

• Rajkot

• Guwahati

• Shillong

• Kolkata

• Bhubaneswar

• Patna

• Ranchi

• Srinagar

• Jammu

• Shimla

• Dehradun

• Patiala

• Jaipur

• Kota

• Hisar

• Lucknow

In several of these locations, street-level demonstrations, marches, and symbolic black-band protests are expected.

Power Supply at Risk?

Although the strike is planned for a single day, it could result in temporary blackouts or power supply disruptions, especially in Uttar Pradesh, which is directly affected by the discom privatisation. Essential services like hospitals, water supply, and transportation could also face challenges if backup mechanisms fail.

AIPEF has warned the central and state governments, stating that they will not be responsible for the consequences of power outages arising due to the strike.

The Farmers' Concern

One of the most sensitive aspects of the protest is its impact on the farming community. The AIPEF has alleged that privatising discoms will directly harm farmers, who currently benefit from subsidised or free electricity schemes for irrigation and rural electrification.

Dubey argued that private companies are unlikely to continue these subsidies, thus placing additional financial burdens on small and marginal farmers who are already struggling with input costs and climate uncertainties.

Broader Opposition to Power Sector Privatisation

The strike on July 9 is not just about UP, but represents a pan-India backlash against the gradual privatisation of India’s power distribution sector. Several states have either completed or are considering privatising their discoms, citing inefficiency, high T&D (transmission and distribution) losses, and financial unsustainability.

However, power sector unions argue that privatisation is not a solution and that structural reforms, decentralised operations, and public accountability are better paths forward.

In recent years, power employees have also protested against:

• The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which proposed delicensing power distribution.

• Privatisation attempts in Union Territories like Chandigarh and cities like Agra and Gaya.

• The increasing role of private players in generation and transmission segments, raising fears of monopolisation.

Government's Response

So far, there has been no formal comment from the Ministry of Power or the UP State Government in response to the strike call. However, government insiders suggest that talks are underway to convince unions to call off the strike. Emergency response teams are also being prepped in some states to minimise the potential fallout from the strike.

What Happens Next?

The July 9 strike is shaping up to be a critical flashpoint in India’s power sector policy debates. While the government pushes for efficiency and financial viability through privatisation, workers demand job security, transparency, and the protection of public interests.

With 27 lakh employees poised to halt operations for a full day, the nation’s electricity supply chain may be seriously tested. The success or failure of this strike could determine the future course of power sector reforms in India.

Conclusion

The upcoming nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, by over 27 lakh power sector employees marks a significant showdown between the Indian government’s push for privatisation and the unions' demand to preserve public ownership of essential services.

With potential disruptions in power supply, risks to farming communities, and large-scale demonstrations planned across India, this protest could reshape how energy distribution reforms are pursued in the coming years. The government’s response—or lack thereof—will play a crucial role in determining whether dialogue or confrontation becomes the dominant mode of engagement in India’s energy future.

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