PSEB Engineers flag ‘Serious Risk’ to power sector, slam Govt over ‘political interference’
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), April 25, 2026:The PSEB Engineers’ Association has strongly condemned alleged political interference and arbitrary actions by the Punjab government and power utilities, warning of serious implications for the state’s power sector.
At a general body meeting attended by over 800 engineers from PSPCL, PSTCL and BBMB, participants voiced concern over what they described as growing threats to the autonomy and stability of the power system.
General Secretary Ajaypal Singh Atwal said the gathering included engineers from across ranks, from Chief Engineers to Assistant Engineers. The meeting was also addressed by senior members including Padamjit Singh and other office-bearers.
The Association reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply in Punjab but cautioned against “non-technical and politically driven decisions” that could undermine the sector. It urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene and restore institutional balance.
Engineers unanimously criticised recent decisions, stating they have affected professional dignity, weakened technical processes and could derail the government’s “zero power outage” vision. Concerns were also raised over proposals to sell power sector assets, delays in the 2×800 MW units at Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant in Ropar, and provisions in the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025.
The Association also flagged issues related to lower initial pay for newly recruited Assistant Engineers, terming it unjust, and demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme along with full pay scales for new recruits.
Reaffirming unity, the engineers resolved to oppose any move that compromises public assets or violates established agreements, while rejecting what they called attempts to create a culture of fear or political pressure within the power sector.