Punjab govt assures sufficient power to Industry from March to May
Punjab Newsline Network
Thursday, 26 February 2009
CHANDIGARH: Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Power and Irrigation, Punjab assured that the industry shall be provided with enough power during March, April and May while addressing the industrialists at PHD Chamber during the interactive session regarding issues related to power and industry on Wednesday.

While reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to improve power situation in Punjab, he informed that during the months of December, January, February and March, Punjab supplies power to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Orissa etc. under barter/banking system under which same amount is supplied back to Punjab during the paddy season which helps reducing the gap between the generation and demand of power in the state.

As long term measures, Kumar said that with the commissioning of Goindwal, Talwandi Sabo, Gidderbaha, and Rajpura thermal plant, power shortage would be done away with by 2012. Also that the coal-pit-head and hydel power generation initiatives of the government shall help relieve the reeling industry. PHD Chamber believes that the government should keep in mind that the demand is also increasing by 15%.

Suresh Kumar had a very positive approach resolving the operational issues raised by industrialists. “While we will do the summer scheduling for the paddy season, we shall inform the masses about the power cut plan through advertisements and public notices on Saturdays in English and Punjabi newspapers”, said Sh Suresh Kumar. By withholding the CE (SO&C) circular 3/09 dated 23.01.2009 Sh Kumar acceded to the major demand of PHD Chamber regarding grant of continuous process status to industry.

While relieving the industries situated in rural industrial zones, he agreed that there should be no need of NOC from PUDA. Sh Kumar agreed to the issue of more than one connection for two or more units within a single plot. He also agreed to the demand of adequate power supply on weekly off days so that necessary routine office work can be done. He acceded to the industrialists’ demand of withdrawal of special cut of two hours from 7 am to 9 am assuring that the power will be provided on continuity basis.

On the issue of file processing taking long time due to handling by two offices, technical and commercial, Sh Kumar echoed industry’s concern to Sh Brar, Chairman, PSEB and agreed that only one official should handle the files. Sh Kumar also directed the officials present to sort out the administrative and operational issues at the earliest. Sh Kumar agreed to capacity enhancement at Mubarakpur sub station and Saidpura sub station in industrial belt of Derrabassi.

PHD Chamber voiced its concern over the Octroi charge on electricity bill reiterating that it should be withdrawn with immediate effect since no where in India is such redundant charge levied.

The industrialists demanded that the PSEB should work on commercial lines so that the end users woes are redressed without fail. Because of global meltdown, industry in India too has not been left untouched. The industries in Punjab are reeling under poor power situation which needs to be redressed immediately. Besides, revenue and employment generating industry should be treated at par and the government should rethink about cross-subsidisation.