Srinagar, Jan 19: Er. Pirzada Hidayatullah, President of the J&K Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) and Vice Chairman of the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), represented Jammu & Kashmir at the high-level Federal Executive Meeting of AIPEF held in Kolkata on 18-01-2026.
The meeting, presided over by Shailendra Dubey, Chairman AIPEF, saw the participation of senior power sector engineers and representatives from various state constituents across the country to discuss the evolving landscape of the Indian power sector.
A central theme of the federal meet was the collective resolve of all state constituents to launch a nationwide struggle against the privatization of the power sector. The federation unanimously opposed the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, asserting that the proposed legislative changes threaten the energy security of the nation and could lead to a steep rise in tariffs for common consumers and the farming community.
Addressing the federal executive, Er. Pirzada Hidayatullah laid strong emphasis on the internal strengthening of the distribution sector as the primary defense against privatization. He argued that by improving operational efficiency and delivering superior services to the public, the department can naturally negate the justification for private intervention.
“Our focus must remain on strengthening the distribution infrastructure and ensuring consumer satisfaction. A robust, efficient, and public-friendly state-owned utility is the best answer to any privatization move by the Government,” Hidayatullah stated.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity among power engineers and workers across India to safeguard the public character of the power sector. The AIPEF leadership warned that any attempt to bypass the concerns of stakeholders regarding the 2025 Bill would be met with democratic protests across all states and Union Territories.
