UP power minister warns striking electricity workers to join back or face dismissal

Uttar Pradesh’s energy minister AK Sharma on Saturday issued a stern warning to the striking electricity department employees to join their duties by 6.00 pm, or face dismissal.

Services of 1,332 contractual employees have already been terminated, he said.

Speaking to reporters here, Sharma said, “A decision has been taken to initiate action against 22 persons from the department under the ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act). Apart from this, instructions have also been issued to lodge FIR against those who are damaging the government property, and obstructing others from discharging duties. FIR has been registered against 29 persons in this regard.”