One Nation, One electrical License

Electrical contractors are facing license problem when they bid for another state. Generally they are entitled to do work in particular state from where they have got license. CEA advocated that there was the need of “One Nation, One Licence” for electrical contractors so that they can take up works in various states on the basis of a valid licence in any state or Union territory. This will avoid the long-drawn process of obtaining a separate licence in the respective state/UT, where the electrical contractor intends to work, the communication said. This proposal comes in the wake of a meeting with all state electrical inspectorates convened by Chief Engineer, CEA, on September 29, 2023. Most states welcomed the step of “One Nation, One Licence” for electrical contractors. It is interesting to note that supervisor licence holders and wireman licence holders of different states are allowed to work in other states through various arrangements like reciprocal MoUs, verification, endorsements, etc. However, no such procedure is allowed for electrical contractors, as yet. In light of this, CEA has advised that all state electrical inspectorates in which there is currently no such procedure of allowing electrical contractors of other states, to take up measures to facilitate inter-state validity of licences. This could be achieved by endorsement/verification of contractor licences issued by other states, by the state where the electrical contractor intends to work. CEA has also suggested that such endorsement should take no more than 15 days, subject to fulfilment of conditions precedent. CEA has also advised state electrical inspectorates against putting territorial restrictions while granting (new) licences to electrical contractors.