Members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) held a dharna on Tuesday outside the office of the Chief Engineer of the Power Department in Jalandhar, demanding uninterrupted electricity for paddy cultivation. The protest came a day after other farmer unions called off their demonstrations following assurances from PSPCL officials regarding adequate power supply.
Farmers decry erratic electricity during peak paddy season
The protesting farmers raised slogans and presented their grievances to the Chief Engineer (North) of PSPCL. They stated that erratic electricity supply was severely affecting irrigation and crop management during the peak paddy season. According to the farmers, the government had promised to provide eight-hour uninterrupted power supply during the paddy season. However, for the past 10 days, PSPCL has been imposing power cuts, leaving them with only three to four hours of electricity daily.
Chief Engineer assures improvement in power supply
The Chief Engineer (North) assured the farmers that efforts would be made to ensure better power supply. “I can give you assurance that you will get power supply. There are power cuts in the industry as well,” he said. He further stated that the situation is expected to improve once rainfall occurs.
Union warns of financial losses due to power cuts
Union leaders warned that the reduced power supply is inadequate for irrigation and could adversely affect the paddy crop. They cautioned that farmers would be forced to rely on costly diesel-powered pumps, resulting in significant financial losses. The farmers submitted a memorandum to the Chief Engineer, reiterating their demand for an uninterrupted eight-hour power supply during the paddy season.
Protest called off after written assurance from PSPCL
According to the union members, the Chief Engineer gave a written assurance that farmers would be provided eight hours of electricity supply. Following this assurance, the protesters called off the dharna. Among those who participated in the protest were BKU (Rajewal) president Mandeep Singh Samra, Punjab vice-president Mukesh Chander, Jalandhar vice-president Major Singh, and others.
