Punjab, 06 April (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant
Singh Mann on Monday asserted that Punjab’s power sector has undergone a
structural turnaround under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, with the once
loss-making department now recording profits even while providing free
electricity to 90% of households. He highlighted that the government not only
ensured zero electricity bills for the majority of families through 600 units
of free power, but also reversed the earlier trend of selling public assets by
acquiring the 540 MW Govindwal Thermal Power Plant and significantly improving
its efficiency.
The Chief Minister underlined that tariffs have been reduced
across categories including commercial and industrial consumers, farmers are
receiving uninterrupted power supply, and infrastructure has been strengthened
through new substations and transformers. Emphasising employment generation, he
noted that 9,593 youth have been given jobs in the power sector with
recruitment for 1,750 more posts underway, while the Punjab Power Department
(PSPCL) has secured an A+ rating, ranking second nationally, reflecting the
government’s push to make Punjab self-reliant in power while guaranteeing free
and 24x7 electricity for the people.
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said,
“The AAP government has set a new record by providing cheap and uninterrupted
power supply to every sector. For the first time, power is being supplied
regularly to people without additional financial burden,” said CM Bhagwant
Singh Mann. He added, “When we assumed office, only 22% canal water was being
used for irrigation, but today 78% is being utilised, and it will be enhanced
to 90% by the coming paddy season.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “Since April 2022, around
9,593 employees have been recruited in PSPCL and PSTCL, including 8,014 direct
recruitments and 1,579 jobs on compassionate grounds.” He added, “Recruitment
for 1,181 posts in PSPCL and 569 in PSTCL is underway and will be completed by
June 2026.”
Highlighting record achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
said, “Punjab met a peak power demand of 16,670 MW on June 5, 2025, surpassing
the previous record of 16,058 MW on June 29, 2024.” He added, “While public
assets are being privatised elsewhere, the Punjab Government acquired a private
thermal plant at a cost of ₹1,080 crore, setting a new benchmark.”
He further affirmed, “There is no coal shortage in any
thermal plant, with Ropar having 41 days stock, Lehra Mohabbat 37 days, and
Goindwal Sahib 32 days.” He added that the 206 MW Shahpur Kandi Hydel Project
is expected to begin generation by May 2027, with ₹5,192.51 crore already spent
till September 2025.
Promoting clean energy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The
share of green energy will be increased from 20% to 80% in the next six years.”
He added, “2,720 MW solar power has been tied up at ₹2.33–₹2.97 per unit,
compared to ₹15.20 per unit during previous regimes.” He further stated, “2,062
MW solar is under implementation, 658 MW has been commissioned, and 581 MW
rooftop solar has been installed.”
Announcing a new initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said,
“The government will soon launch a scheme to put high-tension wires passing
through farmers’ fields underground, starting from my native village where 413
tube wells and 1,100poles are
spread across 2,000 acres.” He added, “This will reduce risk to farmers and
their crops and provide major relief. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora and others
were also present on the occasion.
Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH
