Patiala, November 11
Senior retired engineers from across Punjab expressed deep disappointment over the growing political interference in the functioning of the power sector, erosion of autonomy and the increasing disregard for technical expertise in decision-making processes.
Senior engineers in a letter to the Chief Minister of Punjab have demanded immediate withdrawal of the termination order of the Director/Generation and suspension of the Chief Engineer Ropar Thermal plant. They have demanded an enquiry into private power purchase agreements headed by a retired High Court judge, assisted by experts. They have also demanded that principles of corporate governance and professionalism be reinforced as per the Electricity Act 2003.
The meeting was held at Patiala and attended by more than 60 engineers who deliberated upon the suspension of the Chief Engineer, Ropar thermal Plant and the removal from service of the Director (Generation). The engineers also strongly criticised the involvement of private, non-technical consultants in core operational and policy matters, noting that such practices undermine professional autonomy, dilute accountability, and adversely affect the efficiency of the power sector.
Padamjit Singh, chief Patron All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) said that a misleading impression has been given that PSPCL incurs a higher cost from its own Pachhwara coal mines, whereas actually there has been a saving of Rs. 500 crores annually and this benefit will continue for the next 30 years. As projected in the media the real reason for such decisions is the signing of 150 MW solar PPA without ministers consent. The proposed PPA was for round-the-clock supply and not only during daytime. This offer was made by Solar Corporation of India, a central government undertaking. These basic facts have been ignored in haste at great institutional cost.
Ajay Kumar Kapur Ex Director Transmission, said that private thermal plants operate on more efficient supercritical technology, where Ropar thermal is an older subcritical plant.
In case the power utilities of Punjab are reduced to routine government departments, the state’s power supply, finances, and institutional credibility will suffer irreparable damage.
