Subsidised power misuse, 100 tubewell connections to be cut

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 28

The number of tubewells located on agriculture land that have been acquired and used for purposes other than agriculture is less than 100 in the state. The process of disconnecting such connections so far being charged as per subsidised agriculture pumpset (AP) tariff, has been initiated.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), which has been asked to identify such tubewells and then disconnect their supply, has issued instructions for snapping the supply to such tubewells, which are making unauthorised use of electricity. Instructions have been issued to the field staff to carry out inspection and disconnect supply in all such cases. PSPCL records show that the number of such cases is less than 100. This is mainly because every time agriculture land is acquired from the farmer and farmer buys land for cultivation elsewhere, he shifts his tubewell connection too after seeking requisite permissions from water supply, agriculture and power departments. “As per law, a hefty fine is imposed on those found guilty of this misuse of power for tubewells on land not used for agriculture. To avoid this, most such connections are shifted almost immediately after the land is acquired,” said a senior official, requesting anonymity.

Last week, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had ordered disconnection of tubewells located on agricultural land that have been acquired and used for farm houses or development of colonies. The move was aimed at conservation of water resource, as Punjab is facing growing scarcity. The Chief Minister had directed the Secretary, Water Resources, to identify such properties and make a list of the tubewell connections on such land.

Officials in the power department opine that the purpose was to stop misuse of ground water as also to stop the misuse of free power granted to the farmers for operating their tubewells. There is widespread misuse of free power given to AP consumers, which is adding on to the power subsidy that the state government pays for the farmers.

Over the past two years, this subsidy bill has been rising. Unable to pay the full subsidy, it is carried forward to the next year. This year too other than the Rs 9,674 crore subsidy to be paid, Rs 5,297 crore has to be paid and adjusted for 2018-19. Sources say the government has released only Rs 1,630 crore, while Rs 2,400 crore is still pending. RS Ghuman, an eminent economist, says while the step announced by the government to disconnect supply to tubewells showing AP connections, when such connections were used by domestic or commercial consumers, was a step in the right direction.

“But the problem will be solved only when the government starts charging for power given to rich farmers and those who have multiple tubewell connections,” he said. Data from the PSPCL shows that of the total 12.51 lakh AP consumers, 1.83 lakh consumers have multiple tubewell connections.

Subsidy bill rising

Over the past two years, the subsidy bill has been rising. Unable to pay the full subsidy, it is carried forward to the next year. This year too, other than the Rs 9,674 crore subsidy to be paid, Rs 5,297 crore has to be paid and adjusted for 2018-19

Hefty fine for violators

As per law, a hefty fine is imposed on those found guilty of misusing power for tubewells on land not used for agriculture. To avoid this, most such connections are shifted almost immediately after the land is acquired. official