Trying to buy power from other states: CS

Our Correspondent

Ferozepur, October 30

Attempts are being made to purchase power from other states. This was stated by Vini Mahajan, Chief Secretary (CS), today as she was here to take stock of various development works and other administrative matters concerning Ferozepur, Fazilka, Moga and Muktsar.

She said coal reserves had virtually depleted due to suspension of freight trains amid farmers’ stir, and the thermal plants had stopped generating power.

The Railways had resumed operations of goods train last week, but due to some sporadic incidents of protests by farmers, the services were again discontinued, hitting the state’s industrial sector.

The CS reviewed the development projects related to all four districts. She also discussed vital issues such as stubble burning, GST collection, revenue matters, initiatives to prevent drug peddling, Covid situation and measures to prevent spread of dengue and typhoid. Mahajan also exhorted the DCs to ensure proper attendance of various government officials and field staff in offices, to avoid inconvenience to public.

Mahajan said during the last three years, the state had witnessed investment worth Rs 65,000 crore by industrialists and private entrepreneurs. “Several projects have been completed. This has generated employment opportunities for the youth. The government is making efforts to boost the industry in the border areas of the state,” she said.

Land banks were being created for the industrialists, who wanted to set up their projects in Punjab, Mahajan said, adding that the government was providing subsidy in agriculture sector for generating power with stubble.

Regarding shortage of doctors in the state, Mahajan said the process to appoint 500 doctors had been completed. “After overcoming the shortage of medical officers in the districts, emphasis will be given to appointment of speciality doctors,” she said.