PSERC asked to take action against Punjab
Tribune News Service, November 27 2009

Chandigarh
The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) has been petitioned to take notice of “illegal action” against the state government that has been accused of delaying payment of subsidy to the PSEB on account of free power given to the agricultural sector.

In a representation to the PSERC, All India Power Engineers’ Federation chairman Padamjit Singh said subsidy of Rs 294.35 crore for October had been paid to the extent of only Rs 108.29 crore. It said the underpayment of Rs 77.7 crore for September had also not been made good by the government and advance payment of subsidy of Rs 294.35 crore for November with due date of November 1 has not been made as on November 23.

He has also claimed that when quarterly advance payment provision was relaxed to monthly advance payment, there was an obligation on the government to follow the monthly advance schedule. “Since it has not been done it is requested that suo moto proceedings should be initiated against the state government.”