Punjab Government would ensure uninterrupted power supply for eight hours during the paddy season to the farmers.
The directions in this regard were given by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday to the officials of the State Power Department while presiding over a high level meeting. Sukhbir, at the same time, warned that no carelessness would be tolerated in this regard.
Besides, Sukhbir also directed to appoint nodal officers at block level under the supervision of respective Deputy Commissioners. “These nodal officers will submit daily reports after June 15 about duration of unannounced power cuts along with the names of the areas in which cuts have been imposed,” he directed.
Sukhbir said that Punjab Government had ensured daily uninterrupted power supply to the farmers during paddy seasons since nine years and this arrangement to serve the farmers would continue.
Elaborating more, he said that the weather experts have predicted a good monsoon this season and the state government would make special arrangements concerning continuous power supply to the farming community.
Pointing that it has been brought to his notice that there are unannounced power cuts being imposed in some areas causing untold problems to the general public, Sukhbir warned of strict action against the concerned official if a power cut occurred in any area apart from the ones imposed due to maintenance works. Deputy Chief Minister also appealed to the farmers to register their complaint regarding power at Deputy Chief Minister's helpline number or e-mail after which necessary action would be initiated.
He further instructed the officials present to focus on reducing cost expenditure in order to provide power at cheaper rates, since Punjab has now become power surplus state.