Tricity
Rights panel seeks DIG report on apprentice linemen lathicharge
Apprentice linemen have protested outside PSPCL headquarters since early June, demanding regular service absorption, while a rights panel has asked the DIG to file a report on the lathicharge they endured.
Since the first week of June, a group of apprentice linemen has been stationed outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters in Chandigarh. The protesters, who have been present daily, are calling for a preferential pathway that would allow them to be absorbed into regular service and to receive priority in future recruitment drives.
Their demands centre on two key points. First, they seek a clear policy that would give them preference over other candidates when PSPCL opens new vacancies. Second, they want the existing contractual arrangement to be converted into a permanent position, providing job security and benefits comparable to those of regular employees.
The rights panel, which has been monitoring the situation, has formally requested that the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) compile a detailed report on the lathicharge incident that reportedly occurred during the protest. The panel’s request aims to document the circumstances surrounding the alleged beating, assess any administrative lapses, and recommend corrective measures.
Apprentice linemen are currently engaged in on‑the‑job training across the power distribution network. While they receive a stipend for their work, their status as temporary trainees leaves them without the job security and career progression that permanent staff enjoy. The protest reflects a broader conversation about the value of skilled labour in the energy sector and the need for transparent recruitment practices.
Local observers note that the demonstration has drawn attention from civic groups and union representatives, who have expressed solidarity with the linemen’s cause. The incident underscores the importance of addressing grievances through official channels while ensuring that the rights of temporary workers are protected.
The rights panel’s appeal to the DIG marks a procedural step that could lead to an independent inquiry. If the report confirms irregularities, it may prompt disciplinary action and influence policy changes within PSPCL. For the apprentice linemen, the outcome could determine whether their training period translates into a stable, long‑term career in the power industry.
Source: Hindustan Times