Engineers Blame PSPCL Patiala Management For Power Fiasco

Since the Patiala state’s power corporation ltd, also known as PSPCL has failed to increase the generation of power in Patiala state in past few years, the Power Engineers are accusing management for being a puppet in the hands of the private players. The association of the engineers of PSEB announced on Saturday that the management’s attraction towards the pvt companies in terms of generation of power has a threat on the state’s development and growth in the long run. The management of PSPCL has been suffering a lot from the paralysis of policy and was also shying from reaching any proactive or right decisions.

The president of the association Mr. Baldev, while presiding over the meeting called for all the engineers’ power, said that even though the association has been giving continuous warnings, the whole programme of the power generation additional capacity in Patiala was handed over to the private players. The results of which can be seen by everyone. None of the three plants which are upcoming is being expected to target the schedule of the commissioning. Also the price of power which is rising due to the insufficient supply of coal is quite uncertain and the private companies are being solely held responsible for it.

He also stated that the Patiala government, after considering the arguments from association in October 2011 gave a green signal to PSPCL for construing a one thousand three hundred and twenty mega watts thermal power plant with the state sector’s aid. However, the management of PSPCL has not been able to execute this crucial project with adequate seriousness and the approach adopted by it was a go slow one. The president claimed that the situation of the state might have become a little comfortable if the state would have planned two or more thermal power plants, under the aegis of the public sector.

The president of the association also said that the Association has been constantly raising this matter since past so many years in front of the government of Patiala. The latest software for billing which was given to SPANCO and also the charge of the issue related to coal were some other failed attempts of the PSPCL’s management.

It has been now decided by the association that the agitation will be resumed from the coming week, which was suspended due to an assurance given by the management of PSPCL in March in order to settle the matters which were raised by Association. The General Secretary of the Association said that June 2011 onwards, the engineers Power of Punjab will be wearing Black badges to signify the ongoing protest. Later on a few rallies will also be held.

He also mentioned that it is quite ironic that when the power engineers are focusing on offering round the clock supply of power to the people during the summer or paddy season, they have been pushed to the road of agitation by the management. It is a very strange phenomenon and also an injustice being done to them.