PSPCL Board Approves Controversial Land Transfer to PUDA in Patiala
The board of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has formally approved the transfer of prime land near Patiala to the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA). This decision was made under the state government's policy of 'optimum utilisation of vacant government lands' (OUVGL). The move has sparked significant protests and fierce opposition from power engineers and the discom's staff, who argue it jeopardizes future power infrastructure needs.
Details of the Land Transfer Approval
The board's nod to transfer approximately 50 acres of land located in Badungar village, near Patiala's railway crossing No. 23, was granted on January 28. Official orders to facilitate this transfer were subsequently issued on February 6. This land, originally acquired for public purposes such as power generation and expansion, is now slated for handover to PUDA, aligning with broader asset monetization efforts by the state.
Engineers' Opposition and Concerns
Engineers have been vocally opposing this plan since November 26 of last year, describing the transfer as 'selling family silver' to address fiscal shortfalls. They have issued warnings about the critical need for this land for future substations, especially in light of rising power demand across Punjab. The decision follows a pattern of asset monetization that has been consistently opposed by various unions, including the PSEB Engineers Association (PSEBEA) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC).
Critics, including former officials, have alleged pressure on dissenters, with reports of transfers for Chairpersons and Managing Directors (CMDs) who opposed the OUVGL policy. Unions are demanding an immediate halt to such sales, advocating instead for the land to be utilized in the public interest. They have highlighted PSPCL's improving performance at facilities like the Ropar plant, suggesting that asset sales are unnecessary.
Protests and Future Actions
The Joint Action Committee of Engineers, Employees, and Pensioners has been actively opposing the sale of power sector properties for the past two months. This opposition has manifested in organized dharnas and protests across various locations in Punjab. In response to the latest development, the JAC plans to convene a meeting in the coming days to decide on further courses of action.
Ajaypal Singh Atwal, general secretary of PSEBEA, stated, 'Joint Action Committee of Engineers, Employees and Pensioners is already opposing the sale of power sector properties for last two month. Dharnas and protests have been organised across Punjab. To discuss the latest development JAC will call a meeting in coming few days to decide further course of action.'
Official Response and Broader Implications
When contacted for comment, PSPCL director (distribution) Inderpal Singh mentioned, 'I am currently unaware about this decision but some developments have taken place.' This statement reflects the ongoing uncertainty and internal discussions surrounding the transfer.
The controversy underscores a significant clash between government policies aimed at optimizing land use and the concerns of technical experts who prioritize long-term infrastructure planning. As protests continue and legal challenges are potentially invited, the outcome of this dispute will likely influence future decisions regarding public asset management in Punjab.
