Rs 311 cr profit in spite of 600 units of free power, says minister ETO

Even after giving a waiver of 600 units of power to each family in Punjab, the electricity department has gained a profit of Rs 311 crore which has come as a surprise with people questioning the economic model behind it.

Punjab Minister for Power and Public Works Department, Harbhajan Singh ETO, while addressing the students, their parents and others at a function held at Government Senior Secondary School, Wadala Johal, said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had entrusted him with important departments and he along with officials of the power utility worked tirelessly to make it profitable despite offering 600 units of free power to the consumers. The department has netted Rs 311 crore in profit even after this, he said.

Elaborating the measures undertaken, he said pilferage of electricity, transmission losses and power theft were brought down. In addition, optimum utilisation of staff, men and material was done to control expenses.

Addressing the children, he said that the only weapon for progress is education and urged them to move with the times by getting education, enabling their families to progress. Talking about the changes in schools of Punjab, he said that the education revolution has begun in Punjab, the image of schools has changed and the fate of children is changing. Now, children of government schools will get admission on merit basis and also their share of government jobs.

ETO said that so far, 53,206 residents have been given government jobs, of which eight youth are from this village. He said the state government shared the happiness and sorrow of the people.

Amritsar