Workers may run UP power distribution

Uttar Pradesh is set to make an experiment in industrial management.

Principal Secretary (Power) Ashok Khurana has asked various unions to present a blueprint on running Lucknow's electricity distribution, currently run by the Lucknow Electricity Supply Authority (LESA).

Khurana, who is also chairman of the UP Power Corporation Ltd as well as of other production companies, told Business Standard: "We had given the unions three weeks, but two weeks have elapsed and they have still not presented their plans. What we are keen to know is whether they are presenting an operational plan or a policy plan."

He said this idea had not emanated from political quarters, nor had there been discussion there.

Union leader Shailendra Dubey confirmed that this was Khurana's idea and there was no political connection here.

"Since all the union leaders live in Lucknow, why can't they run the LESA," Dubey asked. "On Khurana's invitation, we are preparing a plan, which will be submitted shortly. The seriousness of the move will be seen then."

"Some years ago, we had submitted a plan to run the Kanpur Electricity Supply Co, again at the government's invitation. But it did not materialise and no reason was given for this," Dubey said. Khurana, however, has contested this.

The LESA's finances have deteriorated over a year. In 2005-06, it earned Rs 1.86 per unit (Kwh), down from Rs 1.88, which it earned in 2004-05. "This should be Rs 2 per unit," said Dubey, because "it is easiest to collect money in this city".

Dubey said all the unions, including those of the engineers, junior engineers, clerks, and workers, were part of this move and had decided to give it a try. However, an early settlement of disputes between workmen and the government is unlikely.