Despite protests, PSPCL issues order to transfer land to PUDA

Patiala: The board of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has approved the transfer of prime land near Patiala to Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) under its policy of ‘optimum utilisation of vacant govt lands' (OUVGL), in spite of protests and fierce opposition to the move by power engineers and the discom's staff.The board's nod to transfer about 50 acres in Badungar village, near Patiala's railway crossing No. 23, came on Jan 28 and the orders to allow the transfer were issued on Feb 6. Engineers have been opposing the plan to transfer the land since Nov 26 last year, describing it as "selling family silver" to address fiscal shortfalls. They have warned of future needs for substations amid rising power demand. The decision aligned with a pattern of asset monetisation opposed by unions, including the PSEB Engineers Association (PSEBEA) and Joint Action Committee (JAC).Engineers argued the land, acquired for public purposes such as power generation, was vital for expansion and should not be diverted, potentially inviting legal challenges.Critics, including former officials, alleged pressure on dissenters, including transfers of CMDs opposing OUVGL. Unions demanded halting sales for public-interest utilisation, and highlighted PSPCL's improving performance at plants such as Ropar."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," said Ajaypal Singh Atwal, general secretary of PSEBEA.When contacted, PSPCL director (distribution) Inderpal Singh and said, "I am currently unaware about this decision but some developments have taken place."