J K Batta
Chandigarh: Former Punjab Cabinet Minister and Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Mann arrived at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk in Nayagaon today to address a public meeting at 4:30 p.m. A large crowd gathered to meet Anmol Gagan Mann, including residents of Kansal, Nada, Janta Colony, and Shivalik Vihar, as well as nearby villages. As Anmol Gagan arrived, Councillor Amandeep Kaur Mand and former Councillor Jagtar Singh Bhoti welcomed her and showered her with turbans. Addressing the residents of Nayagaon, Anmol Gagan Mann explained that the long-standing electricity connections in Punjab have been reopened by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Sidhu through the Power Minister, and that no NOCs are required.
Gagan Mann stated that Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora, announcing a significant public-friendly decision by the Punjab government, stated that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now issue electricity connections without the need for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after applicants submit the necessary guarantees. Gagan Mann stated that this move reflects the commitment of Honourable National Convenor Mr Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide basic amenities to citizens without delay and ensure compliance with legal procedures.
Former Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Kharar constituency, Anmol Gagan Mann, stated that previously, applicants had to submit necessary permissions, such as NOCs issued by local authorities like the Municipal Corporation (MC), regularisation certificates, or approved building plans, before obtaining an electricity connection. The lack of or delay in obtaining these permissions from various departments was a significant challenge for residents. Former Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Kharar constituency, Anmol Gagan Mann, stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had directed them to find a workable solution. "Today, that solution has been implemented," she said. According to the revised instructions, all applicants will be issued electricity connections under the applicable provisions of the Supply Code 2024 if the applicant provides an undertaking that their electricity connection can be disconnected if the building is declared illegal or unauthorised in the future by any competent authority.
Furthermore, applicants will be required to deposit a security deposit equal to the service connection charge to cover the dismantling charges, in addition to all other normal applicable expenses payable under the Supply Code 2024. Former Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Kharar constituency, Anmol Gagan Mann, stated that funding for the installation of an electricity grid for Nayagaon has been received and will be installed as soon as space is available. Electricity Department Engineer Tarunjit Singh, who was also present, was told that a board should be installed outside the Municipal Council tomorrow, detailing the security requirements for each kilowatt meter and the total charges, to prevent anyone from extorting money.
Engineer Tarunjit Singh then told ASDO Amit Kumar and JE Sandeep Sharma, who were present, that this board should be installed. New connections will only require household documents and an Aadhaar card or a driver's license. A table will also be set up in the Municipal Council office to assist those seeking new connections.
The Problem of Not Getting Electricity Meters in Kansal:
Regarding the issue of Kansal village, Councillor Sushil Sharma asked why connections hadn't been opened in Kansal. He replied that Kansal village had been declared a catchment area, so they weren't being provided there either. Sharma then produced court documents stating that all applicants in the Chandigarh and Haryana catchment areas were receiving new electricity connections, so why not theirs? The MLA assured them that they would soon resolve the electricity problem of the Kansal residents.
Property Dealer Welfare Association:
Following this, Manjit Singh, President of the Property Dealer Welfare Association Register, and his entire team submitted a memorandum to Anmol Gagan Mann, former Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Kharar constituency, stating that the registration in the Nayagaon area has been closed. As a result, Nayagaon residents who have purchased plots are facing problems, but their registrations are not being processed. Retired residents have purchased plots and built houses, but their registrations are still pending. Anmol Gagan Mann, former Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Kharar constituency, told the President of the Property Dealer Welfare Association Register that she would try to resolve this problem as soon as possible.