A dispute has arisen regarding power cuts in the industrial sector of South Gujarat ahead of Diwali. Following the announcement of eight hours of load shedding from 4 PM to 12 AM on designated industrial feeders by Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), industrialists have expressed their dissatisfaction.
Ashok Jirawala, president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), opposed this decision, stating that during the festive season, industries need to fulfill orders, dispatch goods, and receive payments from the market. Power cuts during this time will affect business operations. According to the chamber, there is a concern that both shifts’ work will be impacted.
DGVCL has announced this arrangement to shut down power on designated industrial feeders from 4 PM to 12 AM based on the difference between electricity demand and available supply. It has been reported that this arrangement may remain in effect until the electricity supply situation normalizes. Jirawala mentioned that choosing the time from 4 PM to 12 AM would affect production in both day and night shifts, as many units are engaged in packing, production, and dispatching during this period.
He suggested that if cuts are necessary for saving electricity, the timing should be set between 7 PM and 7 AM to minimize the impact on regular daytime production and transportation. The chamber described the decision as unilateral. Jirawala stated that in his 26 years of experience, he has not seen such a unilateral decision regarding such a significant cut for industries.
According to him, discussions should have been held with the chamber or industrial representatives before making such an important decision. He raised questions about the electricity production and supply system, stating that it is not appropriate to place the entire burden of electricity companies’ production-related problems on the existing industries. The chamber has demanded a reconsideration of the timing of the cuts and the establishment of a practical arrangement for industries.
Thousands of small and large industrial units in Surat and South Gujarat, including textiles and diamonds, operate during this crucial business period before Diwali. Any halt in production or dispatching during this time could lead to difficulties in fulfilling orders on time. The chamber claims that power cuts could also affect the supply of goods, payment cycles, and the cash flow of industries.
Jirawala asserted that over 2.5 million workers are employed in the industrial sector of South Gujarat. According to him, prolonged disruptions in production pose a risk to workers’ livelihoods and the economic condition of industries. However, no official figures regarding potential economic losses have been provided.
The chamber is preparing to submit a written memorandum to the state government on this issue. It will demand a change in the timing of power cuts to night time and a clear action plan to ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity supply to industries.
The chamber states that reliable electricity supply is essential to achieve the goals of ‘Make in India’ and increasing exports. The industrial sector is now looking at the next steps from DGVCL and the state government.
Publish with Us: Wish to feature your personal or organizational milestones, success stories, or press releases in Tezzbuzz English? Contact us, and we will guide you through our publication process.
Feedback & Corrections: We strive for accuracy. If you spot an error, have feedback, or object to the content of this article/press release, please notify us at loktejoline (at) gmail (dot) com. We will review the matter and rectify it at the earliest.