Chandigarh, Aug. 7 -- Days before the proposed three-day statewide strike by power employees and engineers, the Haryana government has urged the unions to withdraw the agitation, stating that concerns over parallel electricity distribution licensing, the proposed Agri-Discom, smart metering and other policy issues can be resolved through negotiations rather than a shutdown of essential services. The employee unions have given a call for a statewide strike from August 11 to 13.

In a communication to Haryana Power Engineer's Association, All Haryana Power Corporation Workers Union, HSEB Workers Union, Haryana Power Corporations SC/ST & BC Employees Union and HSEB Diploma Engineer's Association, the managing director, Haryana Vidyut Prasara...