Background of the Issue

In Punjab, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) manages electricity generation and distribution. This corporation plays a crucial role in providing power to cities like Mohali and Chandigarh. However, a recent meeting involving the power minister and various employee unions did not go well. As a result, PSPCL workers plan mass leave protest, which has led to major concerns for residents due to the potential disruption in power services.

Upcoming Mass Leave Protest

Due to the failed talks, electricity workers across Punjab plan to take a mass leave from August 11 to 13. They are prepared to protest in front of power offices during this time. This decision may cause significant disruptions in power services throughout the region.

Who Is Leading the Protest?

Several important unions are coming together for this protest. These include:

• PSEB Employees Joint Forum
• Bijli Mulazim Ekta Manch Punjab
• Association of Junior Engineers
• Grid Sub-Station Employees Union
• Powercom/Transco Pensioner Union Etka Punjab
• Pensioner Welfare Federation (Pehlwan) of Powercom and Transco

These groups are dedicated to protecting the rights of electricity workers and pensioners.

Reasons for the Protest

The unions are unhappy because they believe that the management and the power minister are not taking their demands seriously. The main issues they want to address include:

• Release of 13% pending dearness allowance
• Restoration of the old pension scheme
• Correction of pay and pension anomalies
• Regularisation of contract staff
• Hiring for nearly 50,000 vacant posts

This situation highlights a significant employment issue in Punjab’s power sector, with 50,000 jobs currently unfilled. Workers feel these matters are critical for their well-being and future.

Concerns Over Government Policies

The unions also have fears about the government’s approach. They claim the government is secretly pushing for privatization. This raises worry among workers and pensioners, who feel their needs are being ignored.

Additional Issues Facing Workers

Workers face other pressing issues. Some examples include:

• No payment compensation for families of workers who died while on duty
• Lack of cost-free medical treatment for injured workers
• Unfair implementation of central pay scales

These issues create further frustration within the employee community.

Upcoming Demonstrations

As part of their protest, electricity workers will not only take leave, but they will also march outside power offices. They plan to organize more demonstrations at district headquarters on August 15, which is also Independence Day. This decision aims to draw attention to their cause on an important national holiday.

Historical Context

This protest is not an isolated event but reflects a wider trend in India. Across the country, many state governments are reevaluating pension policies due to budget issues. The request to restore the old pension scheme mirrors similar demands in various states.

What Happened Before?

Punjab has faced power crises before. The last major crisis occurred in 2021. This event resulted in widespread power outages. It raised concerns about how the electricity department manages its workforce and responsibilities. Many people worry that if these employee issues are not resolved, a repeat of last year’s crises could happen.

What’s Next?

The mass leave protest from August 11 to 13 is a critical moment for both the workers and the government. As PSPCL workers plan a mass leave protest, electricity supply in Punjab could be significantly affected during these days. How the government reacts will be important. People in Punjab are watching closely, hoping the needs of electricity workers will be addressed before it’s too late.

In conclusion, the PSPCL workers are standing up for their rights. They are asking for support from their fellow citizens. Everyone hopes for a fair solution to the problems facing the electricity sector in Punjab.

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Introduction

Recently, a tragic accident occurred at Hi-Tech Industries Ltd in Mohali. This factory explosion in Industrial Area Phase 9 took the lives of two workers and injured four others due to a blast from an oxygen cylinder. As the Human Rights Commission investigates the incident, the tragedy raises serious concerns about worker safety in Punjab’s industrial sector.

Human Rights Commission Takes Action

The Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission is now involved. They have opened an investigation on their own, known as suo motu cognisance. The commission is looking into the explosion’s causes and safety violations at the factory.

On Thursday, Commission chairperson Justice Sant Prakash and member Justice Gurbir Singh sent a notice. They instructed several officials to gather detailed reports. The Deputy Commissioner (DC), the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Mohali, and the District Food and Supply Officer must submit their investigation reports by November 13, 2025.

Investigation Details

Mohali DC Komal Mittal has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Mohali to lead the investigation. The SDM must send their findings within two weeks. This quick response shows the urgency of understanding what happened.

The Victims

Sadly, the blast killed two men named Devinder and Asif. After completing post-mortems, officials handed their bodies over to their families. Devinder’s body went to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for his last rites. Meanwhile, Asif’s family held his funeral in Chandigarh.

Asif’s maternal uncle, Akbar, shared, “Asif had been living with us since childhood. We raised him like our own son.” This shows how deeply connected they were as a family.

Family Protests

Following the tragedy, emotions ran high. Family members of the victims protested outside the factory. They demanded fair compensation for the workers who lost their lives. The families felt there were issues with the compensation payments after the accident.

At first, they refused to let the hospital take the bodies of the deceased workers. They wanted equal treatment for both families. After lengthy discussions, Devinder’s family accepted a compensation of Rs 10 lakh. This amount was promptly paid.

However, Asif’s family was unhappy. They claimed they were only offered Rs 5 lakh. They argued, “We deserve the same compensation as Devinder’s family.” This clearly shows the frustration and desperation felt by families dealing with such tragedies.

The Injured Workers

Four other workers were also affected by the explosion. Their names are Sachin, Ashok, Parvez, and Akbar. They were treated for minor injuries at the Mohali Civil Hospital. Doctors confirmed that these workers were in shock but did not have any life-threatening injuries.

Factory Safety Concerns

The intervention by the Human Rights Commission is significant. It not only helps the families affected but also brings attention to the factory’s safety practices. Punjab has faced many industrial accidents recently, leading to higher scrutiny on safety standards.

The government is concerned about the safety of workers. There have been numerous accidents in Punjab’s factories. These have sparked inquiries to improve safety measures. The goal is to ensure that workplaces follow safety norms to prevent such tragedies.

Conclusion

This sad incident at Hi-Tech Industries Ltd serves as a reminder of the need for worker safety in Punjab. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the reasons for the explosion and improve the safety standards in factories. It is crucial to protect workers and their families from similar accidents in the future. The families of the victims deserve justice and a fair response from the authorities.

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Punjab’s Response to Recent Heavy Rains

On August 7, 2025, severe rains caused significant crop and road damage from rains in Punjab, prompting action from local authorities. A special assessment, known as ‘girdawari’, has been ordered in Fazilka district to measure the impact of the rains on homes and crops.

Understanding Girdawari

The term ‘girdawari’ refers to the process of loss assessment. It is crucial in helping the government understand how much damage has occurred. Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu announced this special assessment. She instructed all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to complete the work quickly.

Details of the Assessment

This special girdawari will create a detailed report about the losses to crops and the damage to homes. Sandhu emphasized that every eligible person affected by the rains should be included in the evaluation. Transparency is a priority to ensure that no one is missed. The assessment will be efficient and timely, ensuring that the final report reaches the state government without delay.

Current Situation in Fazilka

In Fazilka, recent rains submerged crops across 20,000 acres of farmland. Water has been drained from many affected areas, and officials are working hard in the remaining locations. Teams are using pumps and other equipment to remove standing water. This effort is crucial to help farmers recover.

Condition of the Ghaggar River

In Patiala, the Ghaggar River rose to 14 feet due to heavy rainfall in upstream areas. However, good news has emerged as officials reported that the water level is now dropping. In the last 12 hours, water levels at the Bhankharpur site have decreased by two feet. The situation here is under control, and officials urge people not to panic. They assure that there is no expected rise in levels further downstream at Sarala.

Emergency Plans in Place

The drainage department has prepared well for emergencies arising from the rains. They have set up a flood control room that monitors situations continuously. Residents facing any emergencies can reach this control room at 0175-2350550 for assistance.

Impact on Mohali District

Heavy rains have also disrupted road connectivity in Mohali district. Specifically, five villages have faced serious access issues due to increased water flow in the Jayanti Ki Rao River. Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal took notice of these disruptions and instructed the public works department (PWD) to work on the Jayantimajri-Gura-Kasoli Link Road.

Restoring Road Connectivity

This road is crucial for connecting villages like Gura, Kasoli, Karondewala, and Bhagindi to the main road network. Unfortunately, heavy rains severely damaged the causeway, washing it away. To address the situation, the PWD was quick to act. They deployed teams with machinery and manpower to restore temporary access.

Temporary restoration work began on the evening of the disruption. This quick action helped resume traffic and provided immediate relief to the residents previously cut off.

Moving Forward

As efforts continue, the government and local authorities focus on assessing damage and providing support. They encourage community members to report any issues and stay patient as conditions improve. Punjab’s quick response highlights the government’s commitment to assist those affected by natural disasters.

Conclusion

In summary, the recent heavy rains in Punjab have caused widespread damage, especially in Fazilka and Mohali districts. Authorities are actively assessing the impact and taking steps to ensure that those affected receive the support they need. The community can feel assured that help is on the way and that recovery efforts are underway.

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