Mangaluru: Opposition to the proposed privatisation of the electricity distribution network under Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) intensified on Tuesday as officials, engineers, contract workers and employees staged a protest outside the utility’s headquarters at Bijai. Protesters warned that handing over electricity distribution operations to a private entity could adversely affect public service delivery, halt recruitment, and create disparities in power services between urban and rural areas.
The demonstration was organised following a proposal submitted to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking approval to transfer MESCOM’s power distribution operations to a private player, reportedly the Tata Group. Employees and unions voiced strong objections to the move, arguing that electricity distribution is a critical public service that should remain under government control.
Employees launch statewide awareness campaign
Addressing the gathering, K Balaram, president of the Federation of Employees’ Associations in Karnataka’s power transmission sector, said the campaign against the proposed privatisation had entered a new phase with awareness programmes being conducted across the state.
He said a series of public outreach initiatives were being organised to educate consumers and stakeholders about the possible implications of privatisation. As part of the movement, “Door Meetings” were held across Karnataka to mobilise public support and encourage wider participation in the campaign.
According to Balaram, the objective of these programmes is to inform citizens about the importance of maintaining public ownership of electricity distribution services and to gather support for retaining MESCOM under government administration.
Concerns over recruitment and service quality
Employee representatives expressed concern that privatisation could significantly alter the functioning of the utility and impact both employees and consumers.
Prashanth Pai, organising secretary of the MESCOM Engineers’ Association, alleged that Tata had sought control over the distribution network in major urban centres under MESCOM’s jurisdiction.
He warned that if the electricity distribution system was handed over to a private company, fresh recruitment opportunities could diminish or stop altogether. He further expressed apprehension that service standards could vary between urban and rural regions, leading to unequal access to quality electricity services.
According to the protesting employees, public utilities are designed to serve all consumers equally, whereas private operators may prioritise commercially viable areas. They argued that such a shift could weaken the utility’s ability to cater effectively to rural consumers and remote regions.
Employee organisations unite against proposal
Several leaders representing different employee and engineers’ organisations participated in the protest and addressed the gathering.
Among them were Federation secretary Shivaram; MESCOM Engineers’ Association vice-president K Krishna Rao; organising secretary B S Lohith; Employees’ Association vice-president Shankar Prakash; Accountants’ Association secretary Naveen Kumar; Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Organisation secretary Srinivasappa; and Diploma Engineers’ Association president Ramachandra.
The protest also witnessed the participation of numerous office-bearers and members, including Nithesh, Varadaraju, Girish, Pushparaj, Chaitanya, Raghavendra, Shanmukhappa, Pakir, Sudhakar and Pinto.
The united participation of multiple employee groups reflected growing concern within the organisation regarding the future of MESCOM and the impact the proposal could have on its workforce and operational structure.
Memorandum submitted to MESCOM chairman
Following the demonstration, representatives submitted a memorandum to MESCOM chairman K Harish Kumar, urging intervention to prevent the proposed privatisation.
The delegation requested that employee concerns be conveyed to the State Government and relevant authorities considering the proposal. Harish Kumar assured the protesters that their objections and concerns would be forwarded to the government for consideration.
The memorandum highlighted fears relating to employment security, recruitment opportunities, service quality and the long-term sustainability of the public utility system.
Call for public participation before June 23
Balaram urged a broader section of society to participate in the campaign and submit objections before the deadline of June 23.
He appealed to legislators, farmers, contractors, consumer groups and members of the public to register their opposition if they shared concerns about the proposed move.
According to him, retaining MESCOM under State Government control is essential for ensuring equitable service delivery and protecting the interests of consumers and employees alike.
The employee leader emphasised that sustained public pressure would be necessary to influence decision-makers and prevent the implementation of the proposal.
Growing resistance to privatisation
The protest marks the latest escalation in resistance from employee unions and staff organisations against the proposed transfer of MESCOM’s distribution network.
Protesters contend that privatisation could fundamentally change the nature of the public utility and reduce its ability to provide reliable and affordable electricity services across urban and rural Karnataka. They maintain that electricity distribution should remain a public service managed in the broader interest of consumers rather than commercial considerations.
Conclusion
The demonstration at MESCOM headquarters reflects growing opposition among employees and unions to the proposed privatisation of the utility’s distribution network. With awareness campaigns expanding across Karnataka and objections invited until June 23, stakeholders are expected to continue voicing their concerns as the debate over the future of MESCOM intensifies.