Delay by PSEB takes spark out of rural electrification scheme

The Central scheme to provide free power connections to about four lakh houses in Punjab was launched in 2005,but the work started in October 2008. However,in all these years,more than 75 per cent of the below poverty line (BPL) families have taken electricity connections on their own. Hence,the Centre,which had recently given Rs 46 crore,may now cut the grant money. Notably,the funds were to come under the Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (APDRP).

Though the scheme was floated more than three years ago,the PSEB was unable to get data of BPL families,and finally when the figures were verified,it was too late.

HS Randhawa,Deputy Chief Engineer,PSEB,Ludhiana,said,“We have found that most of the families in Ludhiana have got power connections,the rest will be covered under this scheme.”

A private company,KLG,is working to electrify the power-less houses with single lamp,for which no money will be charged for security or metre installation.

About 3,500-km high tension 11-KV line and 2,000-km low tension wires will be laid,and the work will be completed by August this year. Sources,however,said that going the pace at which things were moving,it would be long before the work is completed. Consequently,the Centre will be asked to extend the deadline so as to utilise funds.