States » NorthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 11:40AM


Haryana power strike: Vij says solution almost reached, invokes Section 108; talks with unions at 3 pm

Chandigarh, Oct 23 (UNI) Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij, on Friday, said the government was moving to invoke Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to address the controversy over a private power distribution licence in Gurugram and Nuh, claiming that a solution to the ongoing electricity employees' strike had almost been worked out.
Speaking to reporters at the BJP's state headquarters, Panchkamal, in Panchkula, Vij appealed to striking employees to resume duty, saying he had already discussed the matter with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and a meeting with union leaders had been scheduled for 3 pm.
"The solution has almost been worked out. I appeal to the employees to withdraw their strike and return to duty," Vij said.
The minister said the government had made its position clear and was considering the use of Section 108 to address the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's (HERC) decision granting a parallel electricity distribution licence to a private company.
Vij claimed that the provision could be used to overturn the commission's decision through a change in government policy.
However, Section 108 empowers the state government to issue written policy directions involving public interest to the electricity regulatory commission. It does not automatically authorise the government to cancel a regulatory order. The provision makes the government's determination final on whether a direction involves a matter of public-interest policy.
The development comes as electricity employees and engineers continue their three-day statewide strike against HERC's decision to grant a 25-year parallel distribution licence to Eleven Power Private Limited for Gurugram and Nuh.
The strike, which began on October 22, has disrupted electricity supply in several districts, leaving residents facing prolonged outages, unattended faults and water supply problems.
Vij said he had already held discussions with employee representatives and expressed confidence that further negotiations could help resolve the dispute.
The government has also announced its intention to challenge HERC's licensing decision before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity.
The outcome of Friday's meeting will be crucial in determining whether employees call off their agitation ahead of its scheduled conclusion on October 24.
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Tags: #Haryana power strike: Vij says solution almost reached# invokes Section 108; talks with unions at 3 pm
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