MSEDCL Ready for Smooth Power Supply During Strike

Strike by Seven Electricity Employee Unions Illegal; ‘MESMA’ Applicable

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : The joint action committee of seven electricity employee unions in MSEDCL has announced a strike from 9 to 11 October. During this three-day strike, emergency planning has been completed by MSEDCL to maintain smooth power supply, and systems across the state have been kept ready. Except for leaves taken due to serious reasons, all engineers, officers, and employees’ leaves have been canceled. Employees on leave have been instructed to report to work immediately.

Despite repeated positive discussions and appeals by management, the joint action committee has maintained its strike decision. Since electricity is an essential service and citizens should not face inconvenience, the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) has been invoked, making this strike illegal.

During the strike, citizens are advised not to believe any negative or false messages regarding power supply. Alternative mechanisms will remain on alert day and night to ensure smooth electricity supply. For any complaints or doubts regarding electricity, citizens can contact the 24-hour toll-free numbers and cooperate during the strike, MSEDCL has appealed.

Strike Notice and Management Discussions:

The joint action committee of seven electricity employee unions issued a three-day strike notice over privatization and restructuring issues. Management held timely discussions to prevent the strike. On Monday, Additional Chief Secretary Abha Shukla and MSEDCL Chairman & Managing Director Lokesh Chandra held separate meetings with committee office-bearers to discuss various issues. The committee was given assurance that no privatization will occur.

The management clarified that the allegation of 329 sub-centers being outsourced on contract basis is incorrect. Sub-centers created after April 2019 have not been privatized. These sub-centers remain under the jurisdiction of relevant MSEDCL offices. Only the external skilled manpower was procured via tender and issued work orders to agencies. There is no privatization involved.

Following employee union demands, workflow reforms were implemented in sub-divisions and branch offices providing direct customer service. Engineer and technical staff numbers were fixed according to customer load. New two division offices, 37 sub-divisions, and 30 branch offices were created. This increased posts for 876 engineers and technical staff. No reduction in existing positions will occur. Employee structure and reservation rights will not be affected. Implementation is currently on a pilot basis, with adjustments based on feedback before final orders.

The management responded positively to all demands of the committee. Monthly meetings are held on every fourth Monday with all unions for regular dialogue. Despite this, the committee did not withdraw the strike. On Wednesday afternoon, directors Sachin Talewar and Rajendra Pawar (HR) held a video conference with committee office-bearers urging strike withdrawal considering heavy rain, floods, and festive season, but received no response.

Subsequently, directors Talewar and Pawar reviewed strike-time preparedness via video conference with chief engineers, superintending engineers, and senior officials. Present were Executive Directors Dhananjay Aundhkar, Paresh Bhagwat, Dattatreya Padalkar, and Chief GM Bhushan Kulkarni.

Emergency Planning and Alternative Workforce:

During the three-day strike, MSEDCL has established emergency arrangements. Control rooms are operational at headquarters and regional circle offices. The state power supply status will be communicated hourly to senior officials and headquarters.

For uninterrupted supply, alternative workforce is available, including non-striking MSEDCL employees, external staff, and contractors on MSEDCL lists. Temporary deployment has been arranged at local offices and sub-centers. Additional manpower has been requested from external contractors. Vehicles and other facilities have been provided, and written instructions issued to regional offices.

Materials and Equipment Availability:

During the strike, all necessary equipment, manpower, and vehicles will be available at regional offices for contractors. Distribution materials including rohre, transformers, wires, cables, poles, feeder pillars, distribution boxes, and transport vehicles are kept ready across MSEDCL offices.

Special Care for Residential and Essential Sectors:

During the strike, priority is given to domestic consumers, water supply schemes, hospitals, mobile towers, and government offices. Any interruption in supply will be immediately addressed through alternate arrangements.

Action Against Strike Participants:

As electricity is an essential service, the state government has applied Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA). Therefore, the three-day strike by seven of 23 MSEDCL employee unions is illegal. Employees with less than one year of service or recently recruited who participate will have their service terminated immediately. Contractual employees within the first three years of service will also have service canceled if they strike. Regular employees participating may face deductions or disciplinary action.

Contact and Cooperation:

MSEDCL appeals to cooperate with engineers and staff providing electricity during the strike. For complaints, urban and rural electricity customers can call centralized customer service centers at 1912, 1800-212-3435, or 1800-233-3435, which are available 24 hours.