What Sparked the Massive Protest by Electricity Workers in Khordha?

In Khordha, contractual electricity workers staged a significant protest against Tata Power, demanding government intervention to address layoffs and consumer issues. The protesters expressed their grievances over job security and rising costs for consumers, urging immediate action from the state government. With concerns about local employment opportunities, they highlighted the risk of migration for work. The protest also included a march from Dhenkanal to Bhubaneswar, where workers called for reinstatement and job regularization. This demonstration reflects broader issues regarding labor rights and consumer protection in Odisha.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 13:34 IST

Protest Against Tata Power in Khordha

Khordha: On Monday, a significant protest was organized by contractual electricity workers in Khordha, who chanted the slogan ‘Tata Hatao, Odisha Bachao’ (Remove Tata, Save Odisha) in response to the alleged layoffs affecting employees across 18 sections of the Khordha Electricity Division.

The demonstrators conducted a large procession, performing Danda Pranam and ringing bells to voice their discontent. Their march aimed to capture the attention of the Chief Minister regarding their issues and to seek prompt action.

Protesters claimed that approximately four months prior, the Chief Minister had assured them that no contractual workers under Tata Power would face retrenchment. However, they reported that hundreds of employees were dismissed in October, jeopardizing the livelihoods of numerous families.

They expressed concern that if local youth and workers are deprived of job opportunities in Odisha, they would have no choice but to migrate to other states in search of employment. They called on the state government for immediate intervention to avert such a crisis.

In addition to the layoffs, the protesters accused Tata Power of placing an extra financial burden on electricity consumers.

They highlighted that the cost of replacing a service wire, which was previously provided at no charge, has now risen to Rs 1,128, with consumers required to purchase the wire themselves.

The protesters also claimed that consumers are being coerced into installing smart meters and are facing exploitation.

Challenging the state government's inaction, the protesters questioned why an administration that promotes the protection of Odia identity has not addressed the livelihood issues of contractual workers and the challenges faced by electricity consumers.

They demanded urgent government measures to halt retrenchments, protect workers' livelihoods, and resolve the issues impacting electricity consumers.

On Sunday, around 450 contractual electricity workers from Dhenkanal district initiated a protest march towards Bhubaneswar, advocating for the reinstatement of laid-off employees, job regularization, equal pay for equal work, and the removal of Tata Power from Odisha.