Power distribution in Bhubaneswar Division-2 hit due to employees' stir

Bhubaneswar: Staff of the Bhubaneswar City Distribution Division-2 (BCDD-2) have been observing a cease-work strike since yesterday demanding filling up of vacant posts. Under the aegis of the Odisha Rajya Bidyut Shramik Karmachari Sangh, the electricity staff have staged a dharna in front of the BCDD-2 office paralysing the power distribution in the area.

The employees alleged that the distribution division has appointed only 236 staff against the required 1,500, to provide services to more than 1.46 lakh customers in 82 square kilometre area which comes under the purview of the BCDD-2.

Due to shortage of manpower, the authorities are forcing the existing workforce to work for 14-15 hours a day.

Even though the staff of the distribution division apprised the CESU authorities on the issue, no concrete steps have been taken so far, said the agitating workers.

"To serve as many as 1.46 lakh consumers, only 95 linemen have been engaged in BCDD-2 whereas 150 linemen have been appointed for 58,000 consumers in BCDD-1. Therefore, a strong resentment has now brewed among all the workers," said Sanjeev Prasad Behera, joint secretary of the association.