Pune: MSEDCL Gears Up to Ensure Uninterrupted Power Supply During Three-Day Strike; MESMA Imposed
Pune, 8th October 2025: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has completed emergency planning to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state during the three-day strike called by the Joint Action Committee of seven electricity employees’ unions from October 9 to 11.
Despite several rounds of talks and appeals from the management, the unions have decided to go ahead with the strike over issues related to privatization and restructuring. In response, the Maharashtra government has invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA), declaring the strike illegal to prevent inconvenience to citizens.
All Leaves Cancelled; Emergency System Activated
MSEDCL has cancelled all leave for engineers, officers, and employees, except in serious cases, and directed those on leave to report back to duty immediately. Separate control rooms have been set up at the headquarters and regional offices, and the status of power supply will be monitored and reported hourly to senior officials.
The company has also deployed alternative manpower, including employees not participating in the strike, contractual staff, and newly selected candidates, to ensure continuous operations at local offices and substations. Contractors have been asked to provide additional manpower and vehicles as needed.
Warning of Disciplinary Action
Since electricity supply falls under essential services, MSEDCL has warned of strict action against employees participating in the strike.
Employees with less than one year of service or those recently recruited will face immediate termination if they join the strike. Similarly, contractual employees in their first three years of service will have their contracts cancelled. Even permanent employees face the possibility of disciplinary action, including termination, if they participate.
Management Clarifies on Privatization Allegations
In earlier meetings chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Abha Shukla and MSEDCL Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra, officials assured the unions that there was no move to privatize operations. The management clarified that the 329 sub-centres built after April 2019 have not been privatized but are being operated under standard external manpower contracts, which do not amount to privatization.
To improve operational efficiency, MSEDCL has created new offices — 2 divisional, 37 sub-divisional, and 30 branch offices — leading to 876 additional posts for engineers and technical staff. The company stated that no existing posts have been reduced and that employee structure and reservations remain unaffected.
Precautions for Essential Services
MSEDCL has assured that power supply to essential services — including hospitals, water supply systems, mobile towers, and government offices — will be prioritized. In case of interruptions, supply will be restored through alternative backfeed systems on a priority basis.
Contractors across regions have been directed to keep sufficient equipment, materials, and vehicles ready, including transformers, power cables, distribution boxes, and poles, to ensure rapid response during any disruption.
Public Appeal and Helpline Numbers
The company has urged citizens not to believe any false or negative messages about power supply during the strike and to cooperate with on-ground staff. Consumers facing electricity issues can contact MSEDCL’s 24-hour toll-free helplines —
1912, 1800-212-3435, or 1800-233-3435 — for assistance.
MSEDCL also appealed to the striking unions to reconsider their decision in light of ongoing heavy rains, floods, and the festive season, emphasizing that the company’s emergency systems are fully prepared to maintain a smooth and reliable power supply for all consumers.
