Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday directed the power development department to adopt strict safety measures for field staff, stressing that the government must work towards achieving the goal of “zero casualty” among linemen during duty.
Presiding over the ‘Lineman Diwas’ celebration, organised by Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited, Abdullah said the J&K government, along with the Power department, will ensure the safety and protection of every lineman engaged in electricity-related work.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Financial Commissioner (ACS) Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar; Managing Director JKPDCL, Rahul Yadav and Managing Director JPDCL, Gurpal Singh besides other dignitaries attended the function.
In his keynote address, as per an official press release, the chief minister described the day as a uniquely important and long-overdue occasion. He spoke of the foundational role electricity plays in governance and public life. “Power makes virtually all other aspects of our lives function. Government services like healthcare, education and irrigation do not work without electricity,” he said, underscoring that behind every switched-on light is a lineman.
He termed linemen the “actual foot soldiers and indispensable workforce of the power department,” and singled out their service during Operation Sindoor and the 2025 floods for special praise. “You brave adverse conditions like war and natural calamities. You put your lives on the line of duty just like our brave defence forces,” he said.
Addressing safety, the chief minister issued a clear directive: “We have to aim for achieving the goal of zero casualty of linemen during work. The entire J&K government and the power department will ensure the safety of each individual lineman.”
He stressed that procuring safety equipment is only half the responsibility. The department must ensure the equipment reaches field linemen and that they receive proper training to use it. Directing the engineering leadership, he said officers on duty must ensure strict adherence to safety precautions and standard operating procedures at all times, leaving no room for carelessness or a hurried approach.
Looking ahead, the chief minister suggested introducing cash prizes from the next edition of Lineman Diwas to make the recognition more meaningful for the honoured personnel.
He also felicitated linemen with certificates and mementos for their service. The awardees included Milkhi Ram, Ashiq Hussain, Bharat Bhushan, Ram Lal, Suram Chand, Bal Krishan, Ajit Raj, Parvez Ahmed Shah, Kuldeep Raj, Manohar Lal, Bhim Singh, Ajay Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Asgar Ali, Ajay Kumar, Swami Raj, Saifullah Bhat, Sohan Lal, Manjeet Singh and Mohammad Tanveer.
In his welcome address, JPDCL Managing Director Gurpal Singh noted that the corporation serves over 12 lakh consumers across the Jammu region. He credited the technical workforce for this achievement and highlighted the daily role of linemen working at heights, in extreme weather and across challenging terrains. He announced the centralised procurement of safety equipment worth ₹1.5 crore, including safety shoes, belts, helmets and discharge rods, for systematic distribution to field linemen.
Financial Commissioner (ACS) PDD Ashwani Kumar underlined the importance of linemen in a technology-dependent society. He stated their services ensure daily continuity and support essential sectors like healthcare, transport and others. He called for a culture of skills upgradation through structured training programmes. Emphasising quality safety practices, he asserted that proper use of safety equipment and protecting the lives of workers must remain a priority.
A presentation by Assistant Engineer Sachin Tickoo documented the work of linemen during demanding situations. It highlighted how power department personnel ensured electricity supply during the 2025 floods, Operation Sindoor and the COVID-19 pandemic.
