Energy department employees should abandon the path of strike and join us; if anyone wants to give suggestions, let us know: Energy Minister Anil Vij

A strike would have been justified if we had not filed an appeal; the appeal will be filed in APTEL within 5–6 days: Minister Anil Vij

Rahul Gandhi should attend an RSS shakha for a few days”: Anil Vij

Chandigarh, 

Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij, commenting on the strike by Haryana electricity employees in protest against licences granted for power distribution in Gurugram and Nuh, said that all arrangements have been made and the strike is unnecessary because the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has ordered that electricity be supplied to the private company. However, the department opposed the company with full strength, engaging a senior lawyer before the regulator. But it is an autonomous body; the government had not sought applications for privatising electricity. Under the central Act, however, any person or company can apply to be granted electricity distribution rights.

Sh. Vij was responding to questions from media personnel today.

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that he himself is against privatisation because so much public money and infrastructure have been invested, and employees’ jobs are at stake. Therefore, the government opposed it firmly, but the decision went against it. The government is now appealing against that decision in the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) and is trying to obtain a stay against the regulatory commission’s order as soon as possible.

Energy Minister Anil Vij said he wants to tell employee leaders that a strike would have been justified only if the government had not filed an appeal. Although there is a 45-day period for filing an appeal, the government is working closely with officials so that the appeal can be filed within 5–6 days and a stay obtained.

He said to the employees: “Leave the path of strike and join us. If you want to give any advice to our lawyer while preparing the case, give it. If you want to appoint your own lawyer, do so. Or if you want to suggest another lawyer, tell us and we will hire that lawyer.” He added that the fight will have to be fought in court because this is a matter for the regulator. “Some foolish people are saying that the government gave electricity licence and the government is going in appeal. That cannot be so. It is not the government but the regulator. If they do not understand, they should read the Act.”

Rahul Gandhi should attend an RSS shakha for a few days”: Anil Vij

Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the RSS, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Rahul Gandhi has made such statements many times before. “But I want to ask Rahul ji whether he knows what the RSS is. Has he ever gone there? Has he seen what is taught there? Since he does not know and has no idea, if he wants to learn about the RSS, Rahul Gandhi should attend an RSS shakha for a few days.”
Responding to another question, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that untouchability is now a thing of the past. “Everyone is living as Indians and everyone should live as Indians.”