In a bold move to reinforce transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public service delivery, Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO conducted a surprise inspection across multiple key offices of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in Patiala on Wednesday. The minister visited offices of several Chief Engineers, including Hydel, South Patiala, Technical Audit, Enforcement, Civil Design, Transmission System, Thermal Design, Power Purchase & Regulation, Metering, and the XEN Model Town Patiala.
The surprise visits were aimed at reviewing office functioning, staff attendance, complaint redressal mechanisms, and overall service delivery standards, especially during the ongoing crucial paddy sowing season. During the inspections, Harbhajan Singh ETO thoroughly examined various office records, including service registers, complaint books, attendance logs, and leave records.
He actively cross-questioned officials to verify data entries and understand departmental responsiveness. During the inspection, the minister also sought detailed information regarding the total number of applications received for new electricity meter connections.
He instructed officials to present data on how many meters had been sanctioned and how many applications were still pending. Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized the need for swift processing of meter applications, highlighting that unnecessary delays not only inconvenience consumers but also reflect poorly on the department’s efficiency.
He directed concerned officers to clear the backlog at the earliest and ensure that no eligible applicant faces undue delay in getting a new connection. He emphasized that priority must be given to the timely sanctioning of electricity meters to ensure prompt service to consumers.
The minister paid particular attention to complaint redressal timelines. At the Chief Engineer South Patiala office, he examined how swiftly supply-related complaints are being resolved. He scrutinized the complaint registers to determine whether citizens were receiving timely justice and resolution to their grievances.
At the XEN Model Town Patiala office, the minister went a step further by directly interacting with consumers present on the premises. He sought their feedback on service experience, asking whether they encountered any hurdles in getting their work done.
This consumer-focused approach highlighted the minister’s intent to align official processes with public expectations. Further, Harbhajan Singh ETO reviewed attendance records across all offices to evaluate staff availability.
He also checked leave records to determine how many officers were on leave during the peak paddy season and inquired about the reasons and approval authorities for such absences. The move aimed to ensure that no negligence affects electricity supply and grievance redressal during this agriculturally critical period.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment, the minister said, “Officials must ensure speedy delivery of services to consumers. Delays in addressing public concerns are unacceptable. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann, we are committed to delivering a transparent, honest, and time-bound administration.”
Appreciating the officials who were found performing their duties with dedication and sincerity, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO lauded their commitment to public service. He said such officers are the true backbone of the department and serve as role models for others.
Their honesty, punctuality, and responsiveness reflect the spirit of good governance envisioned by the state government. He encouraged them to continue working with the same zeal, assuring that their efforts will not go unnoticed.
The minister also assessed the performance of PSPCL’s inspecting teams by obtaining their live locations during the visit. By tracking their real-time movements, he aimed to ensure that field staff were actively engaged in their assigned duties and not neglecting their responsibilities.
Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that the presence of inspection teams in the field is crucial for monitoring power supply, detecting faults, and addressing consumer complaints promptly. He directed senior officials to regularly monitor the movement and productivity of these teams to maintain high standards of service delivery and operational efficiency.
Harbhajan Singh ETO’s surprise inspection sends a clear message that complacency will not be tolerated, and that the government expects each official to perform their duties with utmost responsibility and integrity, especially when public service is at the core. The minister was accompanied by Director/Admin Jasbir Singh Sur Singh.
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