Power Sector Committee Calls for Punjab Minister's Removal Amid Conflict Allegations
Patiala: The Power Sector Joint Action Committee (PS JAC) has escalated its concerns by formally writing to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday, demanding the immediate removal of Power Minister Sanjeev Arora. The committee's letter cites serious allegations of a conflict of interest and references an ongoing investigation into real estate firms linked to the minister's family.
Allegations of Private Interests Overshadowing Public Duty
The correspondence, which was signed by power engineer Ajay Pal Singh Atwal in his capacity as secretary of the Joint Action Committee, presents a detailed argument. It contends that several real estate firms currently under scrutiny are owned, operated, or managed by a close family member of Minister Arora. This connection, the committee asserts, creates a direct and untenable conflict between private business interests and the minister's public responsibilities.
The letter specifically highlights Minister Arora's oversight of the sale of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) properties. These sales are being conducted under the state government's Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL) scheme. The PS JAC argues that his continued leadership of the department compromises the neutrality required for such transactions and risks eroding public confidence in the administration's integrity.
"Allowing the incumbent power minister to hold charge of the department, where he is also supervising the sale of PSPCL properties, may hamper neutrality and erode public trust in the administration," the committee's letter stated unequivocally.
Ignored Objections and a Call for Administrative Integrity
Further intensifying its critique, the committee alleged that the process of selling PSPCL properties proceeded despite objections raised by various state trade unions and associations. This, they suggest, indicates a disregard for broader stakeholder concerns within the power sector.
Invoking fundamental principles of public service, the PS JAC's appeal to the Chief Minister is grounded in the need for integrity, probity in public life, and robust administrative accountability. The committee has urged CM Bhagwant Mann to reassign the power department portfolio to another minister. This request is framed as being in the larger interest of Punjab's governance and its citizens. A copy of this significant letter was also forwarded to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for his awareness.
Broad-Based Committee Represents Key Power Sector Associations
The Power Sector Joint Action Committee is not a singular entity but a substantial coalition representing a wide cross-section of the state's power sector workforce. The platform includes influential associations such as:
- The PSEB Engineers' Association
- Council of Junior Engineers
- Bijli Mulajam Sangrashsheel Morcha
- Accounts Cadre Association
- Pensioners' Association
- IT Officers' Association
- HR Officers' Association
- The Admin Officers' Welfare Association
This broad representation underscores the collective nature of the concerns being raised from within the sector's professional ranks. Despite multiple attempts to seek a response, Power Minister Sanjeev Arora could not be reached for comment on these serious allegations at the time of reporting.
