High power rates for Golden Temple irk SGPC

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 4

The state government’s move to hike tariff for power supplied to the Golden Temple has irked the SGPC. The shrine, which has an average usage of 7-8 lakh units per month, does not have to pay for consumption up to 2,000 units.

Earlier in April, the tariff was hiked by 12 paise per unit and now, another 5 paise per unit has been levied.

SGPC chief secretary Dr Roop Singh said in May 2019, Rs 5.94 per unit was being charged. “In April 2020, it was hiked to Rs 6.06 per unit. Now, another 5 paise per unit hike has been imposed, putting a burden of around Rs 4-5 lakh per month on the committee,” he said.

While the average consumption is 7-8 lakh units per month, during the summer months, the usage rises to 9-10 lakh units. The complex is illuminated on Gurpurbs, Diwali and other pious occasions.

Dr Roop Singh said the SGPC had been assisting the state government in its fight against Covid-19 by offering its infrastructure and food for the needy. “The government has rewarded us in lieu of extending a helping hand. We will ask the Chief Minister to justify the hike,” he said.

‘Akhand path’ to observe Bluestar anniversary

The SGPC has initiated an “akhand path” for the commemoration of Operation Bluestar anniversary and Parkash Purb of Guru Hargobind Sahib at Akal Takht on Thursday. Both occasions fall on June 6. SGPC chief Gobind Singh Longowal appealed to the devotees to refrain from gathering in large numbers inside the Golden Temple complex, keeping in view the social distancing norm. TNS