New Delhi, Aug 17 (KNN) In order to resolve the problems surrounding the industry in Punjab with regard to power connections, the Punjab State power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) announced a time bound framework under which new connection would be released within seven days, however the industry comprising of 70 per cent Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is sceptical over implementation.

Talking to KNN, Badish Jindal, President of Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association (FOPSIA) informed that in most of the cases, the notifications and assurances given by power department remain on paper, because of which there is much pessimism even with the new announcement.

He further said that there are instances in which it took more than a year to obtain a power connection, a seven day clearance if at all implemented is no less than a dream come true for the entrepreneurs  in the region.

The Micro and Tiny units that totally depend on credit sources for their operations get affected the most because of the electricity issues, something substantial needs to be dome to tackle the problems before the industries start to vanish from the region, Jindal added. 

Citing the previous notifications, Jindal added that there have been circulars over regulation of price per unit, surplus power etc. Despite these notifications, the price of electricity continues to be high as compared to other states; also there are frequent power cuts which negate the surplus power claim of the department.

Listing the problems that prevail in the department, Jindal added that there is rampant corruption and mismanagement within the department, because of which the industries have to suffer.  (KNN/ DA)