People's Democracy

SECRET BALLOT IN POWERGRID

CITU Unions Perform Creditably

AS per a bilateral agreement, secret ballot was held in the Powergrid Corporation of India (a public sector power transmission company) on January 20. The CITU unions have performed excellently and achieved the first position, with the INTUC and BMS making it to a distant second and third place respectively.

In line with the organisational structure of the company and the number of workmen, 12 constituencies were identified for electing a total number of 23 representatives. The constituencies consisted of the regional power transmission system, regional load dispatch centres and the corporate office. 

Election was held for all the constituencies, except one. Due to a court order obtained by a newly registered union formed by a breakaway group of BMS, the elections in the northern region -- II was stayed. 

Out of the 11 constituencies with 20 seats, which went into elections, CITU unions won 13 seats representing 10 constituencies. INTUC unions won 3 seats from 2 constituencies, BMS unions won 2 seats from 2 constituencies, while two independent unions won one seat each in 2 constituencies.

This is for the second time secret ballot took place in the Powergrid. CITU unions had won with overwhelming majority in the previous elections also. In fact, this time the CITU unions have won more constituencies and more seats, indicating the increasing confidence reposed by the workers in the CITU unions. (INN)