Conversion of KSEB into company leads to privatisation: Empl Unions

Kochi, Mar 20 (UNI) Various employees' unions of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) today alleged that the state government's move to convert the Board into a company would ultimately lead to privatisation of the power sector in the state.

Speaking to reporters here, General Secretary of Kerala Electricity Employees' Confederation, M S Rawuthar said ''the move would result in lack of social repsonsibility, higher tariff, faulty distribution network and total neglect of rural sector.'' He said there was no logic in converting the Board into a company, which had recorded a profit of Rs 184 crore in 2006.

''The conversion would also adversely affect the agriculture sector and those below poverty line as subsidies would be withdrawn,'' he noted.

Mr Rawuthar said state Electricity Minister A K Balan was frequently referring to the conversion and making statements that it would become a reality in the near future.

He said the various unions including KSEB Engineers' Association, Civil Branch Engineers' Association, Kerala Power Workers' Unity Centre, KSEB Officers' Congress, Kerala Power Board Engineers' Association, KSEB Electrical Engineers' Association, KSEB Officers' Confederation, Kerala Vidyut Mazdoor Sangh and KSEB Employees' Organisation would come under one umbrella to agitate against this move.

UNI MA RL AS1359