LUCKNOW, Feb. 18 -- The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has sought exemption from the newly notified Uttar Pradesh Outsourcing Service Rules, citing the critical nature of power supply operations and large-scale dependence on outsourced manpower. The exemption has been sought under Section 8 of the Companies Act-213. In a letter, addressed to the principal secretary (appointments), the state-run utility said nearly 78,000 outsourced workers are currently engaged across its operations in the state. These workers are deployed through a centralised tendering process conducted via the GeM portal, involving 149 distribution companies, with contracts awarded at the mandal level. In his letter, UPPCL managing director Pankaj Kumar has pointed out that under its various subsidiaries, including power distribution and generation units, 839 substations are being operated and maintained through outsourced personnel. He argued that electricity supply falls under essential services and requires uninterrupted manpower availability to meet emergency and real-time operational requirements. The letter said that to ensure continuity and reliability of power supply, tenders often need to be finalised well in advance. Any disruption or procedural delay due to implementation of new outsourcing provisions could adversely impact electricity distribution and maintenance work. In view of these constraints, UPPCL has requested that the corporation and its subsidiaries be granted exemption from the provisions of the outsourcing service rules notified only recently....