Meter readers agitating over their pending demands in Patiala escalated their protest on Friday. Carrying bottles of petrol, the protesters climbed a high water tank and raised slogans against the Powercom management. They warned that if their demands were not resolved soon, the agitation would be intensified, and large-scale road blockades would be staged.
Members of the Meter Reader Union state that they have been protesting continuously for several days, yet no concrete steps have been taken to resolve their issues. The protesters alleged that despite multiple rounds of meetings, the Powercom management has offered only assurances, while their demands remain unaddressed. Officials are failing to convey their demands to the government.
Union leaders stated that Powercom officials are not showing seriousness in forwarding their demands and relevant files to the Chief Minister. They allege that this is why long-standing issues remain unresolved, forcing the meter readers to resort to agitation. The protesters also alleged that private companies working with Powercom are reaping huge profits, whereas meter readers face continuous financial and workplace exploitation. They claim that despite long years of service, they are denied the expected benefits and rights.
**Administrative and police officials deployed near the tank**
The presence of petrol bottles in the hands of the protesters atop the water tank created an atmosphere of anxiety among the onlookers. However, no untoward incident was reported during the protest. Administrative officials and police personnel present at the site kept a close watch on the situation and appealed to the protesters to maintain peace. **Warning of road blockade**
The Meter Reader Union clarified that their objective is not to create disorder but to draw the attention of the government and management to their grievances. They stated that if a positive decision regarding their demands is not taken soon, the agitation would be expanded further in the coming days. The union warned that the next phase would involve road blockades and large-scale protests, with the Powercom management and the government bearing full responsibility for the consequences. For now, the protest continues, and the employees are awaiting a resolution to their demands.
