Chandigarh:
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Saturday asked power utility PSPCL to release tubewell connections to farmers within three months after the submission of test report for proper fitting by them.
A decision to this effect was taken by Badal in a meeting with the delegation of Bhartiya Kisan Union, led by its President Balbir Singh Rajewal in Chandigarh on Saturday.
Badal asked the Chairman Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to issue detailed guidelines to the officers in this regard to ensure its strict compliance.
On the issue of Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) for slashing the rate from Rs 4,500 to Rs 1,000 per BHP for enhancing the load capacity of motors in view of depleting water table, the CM apprised the delegation that the Chairman PSPCL had already taken up this issue with the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission so it could be resolved amicably at the earliest.
To another demand for ensuring uninterrupted power supply for eight hours for the ongoing paddy season, Badal asked the Chairman PSPCL to intensify efforts to provide adequate power supply to farmers.
Badal also asked the Chief Engineer (Canals) to revert back to the old system of levying 'Abiana' so that water charges on canal water used by farmers could be rationalised.
Responding to another issue regarding mistakes in the computerised land records, Badal asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue to ensure correct entries by the Patwaris (revenue officials) in the land record and in case of any mistakes, occurring inadvertently should be rectified forthwith.
The Chief Minister also approved the Forest department's scheme of barbed fencing around sanctuaries Bir Moti Bagh, Gurdialpura, Dosanjh, Bhadson and Bhunnarheri to protect crops from damage caused by the wild animals and stray cattle.
Chief Minister also directed the Principal Secretary Industries to allow farmers for mining of earth from their fields for their personal use. Farmers said they were unduly harassed by the police under the pretext of mining provisions.
On the issue of releasing arrears worth Rs 150 crore on account of paddy bonus during drought, Badal asked the officials to take up the issue with Finance department for the release of payment at the earliest.
