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Akalis too insist on continuing power subsidy to farm sector

The controversial central power ordinance, which sparked off a row in Tamil Nadu, has evoked an equally strong reaction in Punjab, with Akali Dal general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra asserting that the Dal would not compromise on free power supply to the farm sector.

Chandumajra, in a statement in New Delhi, said his party was committed to continuing the policy of free electricity to farmers.

The ordinance envisages setting up power regulatory commissions at the Centre and states for restructuring of tariffs to all sectors. A three-year moratorium, however, has been allowed for agriculturists.

He said both the electricity and the farm sectors were state subjects, and the state government was free to pursue its own policies.

Chandumajra's statement assumes significance as the Akali Dal is an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party coalition led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He said Punjab's farmers are justified in getting free power as they have been contributing more than 60 per cent wheat and rice to the central pool for the past 20 years.

Referring to a recent statement of Power Minister P R Kumaramangalam, that subsidy on power should be transparent, he said the Akalis had always favoured transparency in all sectors. The Punjab government was now giving Rs 3 billion in subsidy per annum on power.

Chandumajra said the proposed Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and state electrcity regulatory commissions would not help improve the health of sick state electricity boards unless transmission and distribution (T and D )losses were contained.

He pointed out that T and D losses in some parts of the country had touched 30 per cent, which is the highest in the world.

UNI

EARLIER REPORTS:
DMK will not scrap free power scheme for farmers despite ordinance
BJP did not consult us before cancelling free power supply to farmers, charges Jaya

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