MSEDC urges power engineers not to join Amravati strike

Mumbai, Jun 4 (UNI) The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation (MSEDC) has urged its engineers from other districts not to join the on-going strike called by the company's agitating engineers in Amravati district.

MSEDC MD A B Pandey also appealed to the striking engineers to report back for work.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Mr A B Pandey said, ''Proper channels have not been followed by the striking employees. Holding people to ransom is wrong. If anyone is found indulging in corruption, proper action has to be taken in the interest of the public.'' The MSEDC engineers of Amravati district had gone on strike from June 1 after two engineers -- Dy Exec Engineer K K Mohor and JE P S Raut -- were suspended, prima facie on grounds of misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 7 lakh. Apparently, machines within their warranty period were sent for repairs to outside parties.

The order for suspension was issued by Chief Engineer S Y Thakur on May 30, which in turn was immediately countered by a demand to revoke the order and a call for strike by the Subordinate Engineers' Association which has 80-90 per cent of the 12,500 engineers of MSEDC as members. Mr K K Mohor is the Jt Secretary of the union.

The MSEDC is the distribution arm of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). The State's demand for power during peak hours is 14,482 MW per day.

UNI