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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, after holding a meeting with the Ministers and senior officials from the Power Department on Tuesday, emphasized the Government’s commitment to providing a minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted power supply to the farmers as the paddy season kicks off in the state.
 
During the meeting, which included Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, among others, all aspects of the power supply were thoroughly discussed. Mann assured that the government is fully prepared to meet the power demands of the farmers during the crucial paddy planting season.
 
“The State Government will ensure a minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted power supply to the farmers. We are committed to this promise and will work tirelessly to fulfill it,” he said.
 
To further support agricultural activities, canal water has been released in six districts — Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Mansa, and Bathinda. The Government has also urged farmers to maximize the use of canal water, highlighting that the canals have been cleaned and are ready for use.
 
The state’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has released a notification detailing the paddy planting schedule. According to the schedule, planting has begun in Malwa region, including districts or Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot, Mansa, Bathinda, Fazilka, and Ferozepur. The rest of the state will commence paddy planting from June 15. This year's schedule is an advancement compared to the previous year, where planting started on June 16 in Malwa and June 21 in the remaining districts.
 
Highlighting the state’s dedication to ensure regular power supply, Mann noted that the food growers of Punjab have significantly contributed to the country's self-reliance in food production. “The State Government has made comprehensive arrangements to meet the power demand during the paddy season, which exceeds the anticipated demand by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).”
 
He directed the PSPCL and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) to ensure round-the-clock power supply during the summer and paddy season.
 
To effectively address power-related complaints, the state has also established a 24x7 complaint redressal mechanism with adequate manpower. Additional personnel have been deployed to handle the increased workload during the paddy season.
 
Mann emphasized that complaint centers have been strengthened to ensure farmers receive prompt responses to their grievances.
 
The Chief Minister also lauded the state's achievements in the power sector, including the acquisition of the Goindwal power plant, previously owned by GVK Power, for Rs 1,080 crore. “This allowed the State to utilize coal from the Pachwara coal mine, designated for government power plants, to produce electricity,” said Mann, expressing pride in the fact that 90 percent of consumers in Punjab now receive zero power bills due to the government's pro-people decisions.