Tata Power’s Contractual Workers In Odisha Extend 41-Day Hunger Strike Over Job Security

Tata Power—or TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL), which operates four power distribution companies in Odisha—is back in the headlines. Reportedly, over 4,000 contractual power sector workers under the banner of the Odisha Bidyut Contract Workers ‘Milita Manch’ have extended their 41-day hunger protest at PMG Square, Bhubaneswar. The protests center on fears of job security within the outsourced power distribution system, opposition to tender-based layoffs, and sudden dismissals following shifts to private or third-party contractors. However, TPCODL CEO Gajanan Kale has clarified that no employees have been retrenched. According to Kale, out of 15,300 contractual staff at TPCODL, only 374 workers were identified for regulatory redeployment, with about 200 already assigned to new roles. TPCODL has urged the protesting workers to return to their duties by November 15, 2026.