Farmers take to streets, seek 8-hr power supply

Jalandhar, June 25

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Members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) on Friday held a protest outside the office of the Chief Engineer, Electricity Board, Jalandhar, against erratic power supply in rural areas during paddy season.

Farmers complained that despite being promised power supply of eight hours by the state government, electricity was being provided for only couple of hours. Protesters said they never received eight-hour power supply from any feeder.

District chief Mandeep Singh Basra said power lines were not maintained and overloading of transformers was the main reason behind inconsistent power supply.

Irate farmers said in case a transformer burns, officials of the PSPCL seek bribe to change it and they bear the entire expenditure.

They alleged that the SDOs at many sub stations were collecting money from farmers to hire people to run feeders. Agitators said stern action should be taken against erring officials.

They also complained regarding non-installation of domestic meters and said officials were asking owners to source wires at their own expenses. Protesting farmers said electricity was vital for the growth of farm economy.

Jathedar Kashmir Singh Jandiala, Balvir Singh, Pala Singh, Amarjit Singh Shergill and Mohan Singh, among others, were present on the occasion. — TNS