Power supply to Patiala jail snapped over dues, restored

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 9

In crackdown against defaulting government departments, which owe more than Rs 1,800 crore to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) as pending bill, corporation officials today disconnected power supply to the Patiala Central Jail and a police station.

However, power was restored, following undertakings by the departments that the bills will be cleared.

A team of power officials disconnected power to the jail for more than two hours following which, the jail functioning was affected for some time. Several hardcore gangsters are lodged in the prison and the Jail Department immediately urged the PSPCL to give them some time to pay the pending amount. The team also disconnected power to the Civil Lines police station.

“Following an undertaking, we have restored their power connections, but they will have to clear the dues,” said senior PSPCL officials.

According to information, several Punjab Government departments are among the top defaulters of the energy department and as many as 35 departments together account for a whopping Rs 1,800-crore arrears.

While the PSPCL has been trying to get their money back, writing reminders and even “disconnecting power to defaulting departments” following “political pressure”, the connections continue while PSPCL still awaits payment.

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