Now, MSME power connections at dist level

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, October 16

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has issued directions to its field offices for the processing of applications for new power connections and extension of load for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on Invest Punjab Business First Portal at the district level irrespective of fixed capital investment.

According to a memo (1107/11Sales-4 dated October 15, 2019) issued by the PSPCL Chief Engineer/Commercial, the change in procedure was necessitated because of an amendment made on June 25 by the Industry and Commerce Department, Punjab, in the ‘Detailed Schemes and Operational Guidelines 2018.’

The amended guidelines lay down that the applications for regulatory clearance/fiscal incentive for MSMEd as defined by the Union Ministry of MSME irrespective of fixed capital investment shall be made to the District Level Committee. Further, the applications for regulatory clearance/fiscal incentives for projects other than MSMEs irrespective of fixed capital investment shall be made to the State Level Committee.

The PSPCL has said in accordance with the amendment to the guidelines, the MSME units under the ambit of the District Level Committee, have to be provided the facility of regulatory/fiscal incentives at the district level under the on-line web portal.

The Nodal Officers (Additional Superintending Engineers/Works or Additional Superintending Engineers/Tech) designated at the district level have been directed to monitor and keep in touch with investors applying for issue of new connections or extension in load under the on-line system. 

It has also been made clear to the Nodal Officers that special provision has been made for intimating the applicants about any objection or discrepancy in the A&A Forms or Requisition Forms received at the district level on the Business First portal within a period of one week and no objection can be raised thereafter.

The officials concerned have also been advised to keep a track of applications for new connections or extension of load both on the online web site of PSPCL and the web portal of the Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion so that these could be processed as per regulations and standing instructions of the PSPCL.