PUNJAB CM ORDERS RESTORATION OF POWER SUPPLY TO DEFAULTING RURAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES

Chandigarh, March 20, 2018: Responding to concerns expressed by some MLAs on the issue, Punjab Chief Minister has ordered restoration of power supply to defaulters under any rural water supply scheme in the state.

As a result, of the 228 connections that had been disconnected over non-payment, 225 had been immediately restored while one was set to be restored tomorrow, said an official spokesperson, adding that the remaining two had some legal complications that needed to be resolved before those could also be restored.

Necessary orders to this effect were issued today by the Office of the Director/Distribution, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL).

It has also been decided by the government to go for a one-time settlement with the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, the spokesperson disclosed, adding that the matter was being pursued by the office of EIC/Commercial.

PSPCL was temporarily disconnecting electricity supply to the water supply schemes on account of default on payment. However, the Chief Minister accepted the view of the MLAs that water being a basic need, disconnecting power to water supply schemes was not in the interest of the people.

According to the spokesperson, the state government, led by the Chief Minister, had directed PSPCL to ensure that electricity supply was not disconnected to any rural water supply scheme on account of defaulting amount.