Minister conducts surprise inspections at Power Department offices in Patiala

In a bid to reinforce transparency, efficiency and accountability in public service delivery, Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO conducted a surprise inspection across multiple key offices of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in the city on Wednesday.

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The minister visited offices of several Chief Engineers, including hydel, South Patiala, technical audit, enforcement, civil design, transmission system, thermal design, power purchase and regulation, metering and the Model Town XEN. The surprise visits were aimed at reviewing office functioning, staff attendance, complaint redressal mechanisms and overall service delivery standards, especially during the ongoing crucial paddy sowing season.

During inspections, Harbhajan Singh ETO thoroughly examined various office records, including service registers, complaint books, attendance logs and leave records. He actively cross-questioned officials to verify data entries and understand departmental responsiveness.

During the inspection, the minister also sought detailed information regarding total number of applications received for new electricity meter connections. He instructed officials to present data on how many meters had been sanctioned and how many applications were still pending. Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasised on the need for swift processing of meter applications, highlighting that unnecessary delays not only inconvenience consumers, but also reflect poorly on the department’s efficiency. He directed officials concerned to clear the backlog at the earliest and ensure that no eligible applicant faces undue delay in getting a new connection.

He said priority must be given to timely sanctioning of electricity meters to ensure prompt service to consumers. The minister paid particular attention to complaint redressal timelines. At the Chief Engineer South Patiala office, he examined how swiftly supply-related complaints were being resolved. He scrutinised complaint registers to determine whether residents were receiving timely justice and resolution for their grievances.

At the XEN Model Town Patiala office, the minister went a step further by directly interacting with consumers present on the premises. He sought their feedback on service experience, asking whether they encountered any hurdles in getting their work done. This consumer-focused approach highlighted the minister’s intent to align official processes with public expectations.

Further, Harbhajan Singh ETO reviewed attendance records across all offices to evaluate staff availability. He also checked leave records to determine how many officials were on leave during the peak paddy season and inquired about reasons and approvals for such absences. The move aimed to ensure that no negligence affects electricity supply and grievance redressal during this period critical for agriculture.

Reiterating the state government’s commitment, the minister said, “Officials must ensure speedy delivery of services to consumers. Delays in addressing public concerns are unacceptable. Our government is committed to delivering a transparent, honest and time-bound administration.”

Appreciating officials, who were found performing their duties with dedication and sincerity, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO lauded their commitment to public service. He said, “Such officials are the true backbone of the department and serve as role models for others. Their honesty, punctuality and responsiveness reflect the spirit of good governance envisioned by the state government.” He encouraged them to continue working with the same zeal, assuring that their efforts would not go unnoticed.

The minister also assessed the performance of PSPCL’s inspecting teams by obtaining their live locations during the visit. By tracking their real-time movements, he aimed to ensure that field staff were actively engaged in their assigned duties and not neglecting their responsibilities. Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasised that the presence of inspection teams in field was crucial for monitoring power supply, detecting faults and addressing consumer complaints promptly. He directed senior officials to regularly monitor the movement and productivity of these teams to maintain high standards of service delivery and operational efficiency.