Harsimrat wants state govt to bear power supply cost

food processing industries minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has charged the Punjab government with not honouring its commitment of ensuring proper operation and maintenance of power supply at the upcoming All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda.

Harsimrat, who inspected the Out-Patient-Department (OPD) on Monday, claimed that the inauguration of the medical facility was being delayed on account of poor power supply. She represents Bathinda constituency in Lok Sabha.

“The OPD block is completely ready. Only machines and central air-conditioning are required to be tested for about a month. The health facility is facing erratic power supply that is preventing the AIIMS team from testing sophisticated weapons,” she said.

She added that instead of two parallel lines of supply to ensure 24-hour uninterrupted power, only a single line supply had been started, and that too after much delay.

She added that according to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Centre and the state agency, power, roads and water supply at AIIMS is the responsibility of the Punjab government.

“State authorities, however, have not clarified to the the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited on payment of ₹60 lakh annually for operation and maintenance of power supply. Delay in operations is directly affecting the common man, who has been deprived,” she added.

Harsimrat also charged the state government with not caring about the facility.