Opposition Alleges Privatization Move in Thrissur Corporation’s Power Wing

Quick Summary

• A protest erupted in the Thrissur Corporation council, led by Leader of Opposition Rajan J. Pallan (Congress), over alleged plans to privatise the corporation’s electricity wing.
• The Local self-Government department issued an order on September 12 reducing sanctioned posts in the electricity wing from 229 to 103, prompting employee strikes and a prolonged power outage on September 16.
• Workers argue that reducing staffing levels for a department operating round-the-clock is unjustifiable.
• Mr. Pallan accused Mayor M.K. Varghese and the LDF-led administration of betraying public trust by not addressing the issue after promising resolution within a week, and rather threatening legal action against the government.
• Allegations were made against past LDF councils for financial mismanagement:

– ₹58 crore was paid to KSEB during Higher Education Minister R. Bindu’s mayoral term.- ₹4 crore was paid in advance for unfeasible hydel projects; one project’s DPR rejected as unviable still incurred costs of ₹35 lakh.

• Mr. Pallan claimed secret efforts since 2021 aimed at privatising or outsourcing power supply operations-potentially assigning them to Uralungal Labor Contract Cooperative Society-with involvement from high-level State offices.
• Congress councillors staged protests during Friday’s council meeting with placards accusing Mayor varghese of playing a “double game,” eventually boycotting and walking out.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The controversy highlights longstanding tensions surrounding public sector efficiency versus concerns about privatisation within local governance frameworks. The drastic reduction in sanctioned posts for Thrissur’s municipal electricity wing raises legitimate worker grievances about operational feasibility while sparking opposition fears over covert privatisation attempts.

Financial decisions by successive councils call attention to questions around accountability, given allegations of wasting substantial funds on failed ventures like unfeasible hydroelectric projects or bailing out KSEB under prior administrations. If transparency is compromised further by secretive manoeuvres regarding outsourcing essential services, it risks eroding public trust-not just locally but also across broader governance systems.

As this issue unfolds amidst protests and boycotts, resolving operational challenges without undermining worker security or disregarding citizen interests should be prioritised over political posturing and accusations.Read more: Link