Bill shock for Punjab’s gaushalas

Chandigarh : Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has begun disconnecting power connections to 366 private gaushalas which were earlier given free power. On the directions of the Punjab Government, the power utility had stopped collecting charges from these gaushalas with effect from April 1 last year.

Keemti Bhagat, chairman, Punjab Gau Sewa Commission, said he had information that power connections to not only unregistered gaushalas but also those eligible under the state’s free power scheme were being disconnected. “I have received panic calls from Moga, Ropar, Bathinda, Ferozepur,” he said.

Rahul Sharma, who manages the Vishwa Hindu Shakti Cattle Pound in Moga, too said that power supply to the gaushala had been snapped. Worse, these private gaushalas are being sent power bills with retrospective effect (April 1, 2016). Some have been asked to deposit about Rs 1 lakh. As per the terms and conditions for free power to gaushalas,  the state government was to foot an annual bill of Rs 4.57 crore. But in July last, the Finance Department refused to spare any budget for the same and the PSPCL begun sending bills to all gaushalas.

CM Parkash Singh Badal intervened and the Finance Department allocated Rs 1 crore to the Department of Animal Husbandry which was meant to be be paid to the PSPCL. But sources said the money was still lying in the government treasury. Hence, the PSPCL was left with no option but to snap supply to the gaushalas.

“This has happened because of the lacklustre attitude of PSPCL officials and the Department of Animal Husbandry. Why is the money in the treasury? it should have been paid  to the PSPCL,” said Bhagat. He threatened to hold a protest at the PSPCL office if the matter was not resolved forthwith.