HUNDREDS OF FARMERS STAGE DHARNA OUTSIDE PSPCL OFFICE, DEMAND BETTER POWER SUPPLY

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

Hundreds of farmers affiliated with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) staged a dharna outside the PSPCL office in front of SE Office in the cantonment area, demanding uninterrupted power supply for agriculture and domestic consumers besides raising concerns over smart meters, privatisation and staff shortages in the power utility.

The protesting farmers alleged that erratic electricity supply was adversely affecting agricultural operations during the ongoing paddy season. They demanded that farmers be provided at least 16 hours of uninterrupted power supply for agricultural motors to ensure timely irrigation of crops. They also sought a round-the-clock uninterrupted power supply for all domestic consumers across Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, District President KMM Inderjit Singh Bath criticised the power utility for delays in replacing damaged transformers and demanded that faulty transformers connected to agricultural and domestic feeders be replaced within 24 hours. He said that that transportation of transformers be arranged by the department itself and that consumers should not be burdened with the responsibility or expenses involved.

The protesters also raised objections to the installation of smart meters, alleging that such meters were being installed against the wishes of consumers. They demanded restoration of conventional mechanical meters and withdrawal of penalties imposed on consumers who had deposited smart meters at power offices during previous agitations.

The protesters also opposed the alleged privatisation of the power sector and urged the state government to restore the electricity board to its earlier structure. Farmer leaders further demanded immediate recruitment against vacant posts in PSPCL, claiming that shortage of staff was affecting the quality and efficiency of services.

On this occasion Gurpreet Singh Faridewala from Bharti Kissan Union (Krantikari), Dharam Singh Sidhu, Mangal Singh, Rajinder Singh, Kewal Singh, Gurnam Singh, Veer Singh, Balraj Singh, Gurbaksh Singh besides others were present.