Punjab CM directs Power Dept to rationalise excess staff

Chandigarh, June 10

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday asked Additional Chief Secretary, Power, Anurag Aggarwal to examine the model of School Education Department for rationalisation of the excess staff posted in certain parts of the state.

On the installation of new power substations, he directed PSPCL to prioritise 66KV substations, especially in hospitals like AIIMS, Bathinda and Cancer Hospital, Sangrur, besides other critical sectors.

Meanwhile, Venu Prasad informed the CM about the preparedness of PSPCL to supply power in the ongoing paddy season. He also informed the Government of India recently gave concurrence to PSPCL to go ahead for cancellation of high-cost Power Purchase Agreements with NTPC and NHPC.

Under the programme solarisation of agriculture pumps, 3,000 solar pumps have been installed and 6,500 more shall be installed by March, 2022. Total 220 MW capacity solar power plants of 1 and 2 MW capacity shall be allocated to farmers for supply of agriculture power to 66 KV sub-station in the state. Besides, 25,000 grid connected pumps shall be solarised through feeder level solarisation programme. — TNS