Also requests no package of concession be given to HP or Jammu-Kashmir at the cost of Punjab's development
Facing a problem of surplus power, the cash-crunched Punjab government has proposed to sell its surplus power to Pakistan or Nepal in the economic interests of the state and sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support in allowing the government to execute the proposal.
Punjab had been facing an issue of surplus power since last several years. However, various efforts under the SAD-BJP government have failed to yield results. The issue was discussed by the Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday.
Pointing to the 1,000 MW surplus power availability in Punjab after meeting its internal demand, the CM said sale of power to neighbouring countries will save the citizens of the state from the burden of extra taxes and also save the electricity consumers from the extra burden of fixed cost of power generating units.
"Since Punjab shares its border with Pakistan and its Goindwal Sahib thermal power plant is close to the international border, it would not be difficult to supply power to Pakistan," said Captain Amarinder.
He further said Punjab would be happy to supply electricity to Nepal, which intends to meet its power shortfall by purchasing it from India, if the Government of India agrees.
He urged the PM to advise the Union Ministry of Power to favourably consider the state government's proposal to sell power either to Pakistan or Nepal.
The CM also expressed concern over reports of the ongoing efforts to revive the package of concessions for the neighbouring states of Himachal Praesh and Jammu & Kashmir, and urged the PM to ensure that no such special package is given to these states at the cost of Punjab's economic development.
"If at all a special package is to be given then Punjab should also be treated at par by granting a similar package," he demanded, pointing out that the state also suffers a massive handicap in promoting industry due to the 554 km long international borders with Pakistan and the sub-mountainous region in the Aravali foothills.
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 "Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh with Prime Minister Narendra Modi")
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