Half Workforce Missing in Haryana Power Utilities

Haryana : A major workforce crisis is brewing in Haryana’s power sector. Close to 50% of the sanctioned posts in the state’s power utilities remain vacant, sparking serious concerns over operational efficiency, service delivery, and employee burnout.

The situation came to light after complaints poured in from several districts about delays in service repairs, excessive workloads, and limited staff availability. Responding to the growing unrest, Haryana’s Energy Minister Anil Vij has sought a detailed report on the staffing status from officials of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN)—the two main power distribution companies in the state.

As per preliminary figures, both utilities together have over 25,000 sanctioned positions, out of which almost half remain unfilled, ranging from linemen and engineers to administrative and technical staff. Experts warn that such a significant shortfall could cripple the system, especially during high-demand seasons like monsoon and summer.

“The energy department cannot function at its best when half the team is missing. This is not just about numbers; it’s about public service and safety,” said a senior department official on condition of anonymity.

Power department insiders say that new recruitments have been stalled for years, despite repeated representations to the government. Many positions lie vacant due to retirements, voluntary resignations, or lack of timely hiring processes.

In response, Energy Minister Anil Vij has instructed the department heads to submit a zone-wise breakup of vacant posts along with a timeline for recruitment. “The people of Haryana deserve uninterrupted power and timely service. We cannot let staff shortages affect the public,” said Vij in an official note.

Consumer forums have also raised red flags, pointing to the increased number of unresolved complaints and poor response times. Villages and small towns, in particular, bear the brunt of the manpower crisis as linemen often cover multiple areas single-handedly.

The situation has reignited demands from employee unions who are now pressing for immediate recruitment drives, better service conditions, and technological upgrades.

As the government gathers data, the coming days are likely to witness policy-level decisions to bridge this gap in one of Haryana’s most essential public utilities.