Farmers launched strong protests across Punjab on Sunday against the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill 2025. In Jalandhar, large groups surrounded the Shakti Sadan power house and demanded the complete withdrawal of the draft bill. They also asked the government to remove prepaid and smart meters and restore the old metering system.
Farmer unions said the bill opens the way for the privatisation of the power sector and the forced sale of public assets. They warned that the move would increase the financial burden on farmers, labourers and ordinary consumers. Leaders argued that the proposed policies favour private agencies and weaken the state’s control over essential services.
Farmer leader Jaswant Singh said the public will face serious difficulties if the power department shifts to the Centre or private companies. He added that the draft mentions factory electricity rates becoming equal to household rates, which he described as unjust. “Industries run businesses, but families depend on domestic power for survival,” he said.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha will hold a meeting at the Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh. Leaders indicated that a major decision may follow soon. Farmers have demanded an immediate cancellation of the bill.
