Power engineers raise concern over political interference in working of Power Sector; seeks power minister’s intervention
Kanwar Inder Singh/ April 25,2023
On, February 13,2023 Punjab chief minister attended the general body meeting of the Punjab state electricity board engineers association (PSEBEA) at Patiala. During the meeting, the CMD, PSPCL Er Baldev Singh Sra on behalf of powercom had requested the chief minister to control the political interference in the working of powercom.
His apprehension comes true, as after 70 days, PSEBEA has sent a letter to the Power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO with a copy to chief minister, Punjab, principal secretary, power, Punjab, CMD, PSPCL, CMD, PSTCL, all directors of PSPCL, PSTCL highlighting the political interference in working of power sector and requested an emergent meeting with him to discuss and save power engineers/ employees from such hostile environment.
Power engineers raise concern over political interference in working of Power Sector; seeks power minister’s intervention . On this issue he confirmed that “they have sought an emergent meeting with the power minister to discuss this matter in detail and to save Power Engineers/ employees from such a hostile environment so that the power sector of Punjab can be saved.”
Ajaypal Singh Atwal, general secretary of the PSEBEA said “ it is our bounden duty as a professional body of Power Engineers to caution the Government of various issues being faced by the power sector. Recently a few incidents have occurred where political power and influence is being wielded blatantly by some of the local political leaders to influence the PSPCL/ PSTCL official working. Some of the political leaders are taking advantage of their status to gain privileges and influence over the working of the power corporations and threatening those upright engineers/ employees, who do not toe their line, of dire consequences and transfers to faraway places. Routine activities in high loss areas like checking of connections for possible theft, system improvement works are being hampered by this undue interference. Pressure is being imposed on engineers for postings of officials at the whims of local politicians.”
He further added that “ our engineers and employees recognise and have always shown due respect to the political leadership and genuine issues raised by political representatives have always been resolved on priority, but this type of interference in day-to-day activities is unacceptable in any workplace, regardless of an individual’s position or status. Our leaders should lead by example rather than trying to control people through fear and intimidation. Association has been a strong advocate for honest officers, standing by them and such actions of political leadership not only shows a lack of trust in the institutions set up for checks and balances, but has now started affecting the morals of the honest and hardworking officers. This situation appears to be deteriorating and requires urgent attention at government level, as such incidents have been reported across Punjab. If considerable countermeasures are not adopted in time, it will become difficult to contain the consequences of this dire situation. It is paramount that decisive action be taken immediately to mitigate the effects of this growing menace.”
Atwal said “we appreciate the present Govt’s zero tolerance towards corruption and corrupt practices but at the same time uncalled for interference in the day-to-day activities is not only deteriorating the health of the power sector, lowering the morale of Honest Officers but also affecting the image of the political leadership. “
(royalpatiala.in News)
