Retired PSPCL engineers condemn political meddling, demand halt to Ropar plant shake-up

Retired engineers from across Punjab expressed deep disappointment over growing political interference in the functioning of the power sector, the erosion of autonomy, and the increasing disregard for technical expertise in decision‑making processes.

In a letter to the Chief Minister of Punjab, the engineers demanded the immediate withdrawal of the termination order of the Director (Generation) and suspension of the Chief Engineer at the Ropar thermal plant. They also demanded an enquiry into private power‑purchase agreements, to be headed by a retired high‑court judge assisted by experts.

They further demanded that the principles of corporate governance and professionalism be reinforced as per the Electricity Act, 2003.

A meeting was held at Patiala and attended by more than 60 engineers, who deliberated on the suspension of the Chief Engineer at the Ropar thermal plant and the removal from service of the Director (Generation).

The engineers strongly criticised the involvement of private, non‑technical consultants in core operational and policy matters, noting that such practices undermine professional autonomy, dilute accountability, and adversely affect the efficiency of the power sector.

Padamjit Singh, Chief Patron of All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), said a misleading impression has been given that PSPCL incurs a higher cost from its own Pachhwara coal mines. In fact, there has been a saving of Rs 500 crore annually, and this benefit will continue for the next 30 years.

“The real reason for such decisions, as projected in the media, is the signing of a 150 MW solar PPA without the minister’s consent. The proposed PPA was for round‑the‑clock supply, not only during daytime. This offer was made by Solar Corporation of India, a Central Government undertaking. These basic facts have been ignored in haste at great institutional cost,” they said.

Ajay Kumar Kapur, former Director‑Transmission, said that private thermal plants operate on more efficient supercritical technology, whereas the Ropar thermal is an older subcritical plant. “If the power utilities of Punjab are reduced to routine government departments, the state’s power supply, finances and institutional credibility will suffer irreparable damage.”