Ahead of Energy Department employees’ unions proposed three-day strike from August 11 to 13, Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij on Friday (August 7, 2026) said that discussions with employees were underway, even as he expressed confidence that the government would be able to persuade them to withdraw the strike.

“The unions had primarily raised three key demands. The first was that electricity distribution should not be privatised through the grant of a parallel distribution licence. Responding to this concern, we have explained that the matter is currently before the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), which is an autonomous statutory body and does not function under the Energy Department,” he said in Chandigarh.

Referring to their second demand regarding smart meters, Mr. Vij said that no tenders have yet been floated for the project and that the proposal is still under process. “Since no tenders have been issued so far, this concern also stands addressed,” he added.

On the unions’ third demand regarding the proposed Agri DISCOM, the Energy Minister said that while the Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had referred to the proposal during the Assembly session, there has not yet been any discussion between him and the Chief Minister on the matter. Therefore, he said, it would be premature to comment on the future course of action.

Mr. Vij said the State government remains committed to dialogue. “Our discussions with the unions are continuing. Even today, Energy Department officers and officials are engaged in talks with them, and I am fully confident that we will be able to convince the Energy Department employees,” he added.