New Delhi, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said the state would face no shortage of electricity, stating that the Centre had assured uninterrupted supplies of power and coal following his meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi.
During the meeting, Mann highlighted Punjab’s contribution of 180 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the Central Pool this year and stressed that an uninterrupted power supply was essential to sustain agricultural production and meet the country’s foodgrain requirements.
Sharing details of the meeting, the Chief Minister said the two sides had held constructive discussions on issues concerning the uninterrupted supply of electricity and coal to Punjab. He said the Union Minister had accepted almost all the state’s demands and assured adequate and continuous supplies.
Mann reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to contributing significantly to the nation’s food reserves, saying the state needed reliable electricity and coal supplies to maintain power generation and support its agricultural economy.
“Several issues concerning PSPCL, particularly coal supply and electricity, were discussed during the meeting. Our objective is to ensure that Punjab faces no shortage of coal or electricity and that power generation continues without disruption,” Mann said.
He added that Punjab was in touch with Coal India and the Jharkhand government to ensure uninterrupted coal supplies from the Pachhwara coal mines. The state’s priority, he said, was to maintain adequate coal availability so that electricity generation could continue smoothly.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over repeated notices from environmental authorities, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT), concerning the Shahpur Kandi Dam project. He invited the Union Power Minister to visit the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dam projects in Punjab.
Mann said repeated notices relating to the project created difficulties for the state and urged that issues concerning the development and functioning of the dams be addressed.
He further stated that Punjab contributed around 40 per cent of the country’s hydropower generation, underlining the importance of ensuring the smooth operation and development of its hydropower projects.
The Chief Minister said he had also discussed issues concerning Central government schemes during the meeting.
Responding to questions about the Bargari and Behbal Kalan incidents, Mann said previous governments, including the Congress government that followed, had weakened the cases, requiring his government to rebuild them.
He said the government would strengthen the cases by introducing new witnesses and adopting a fresh approach, adding that challans would be presented in the coming days.
On the issue of permission to travel abroad, Mann said he had received an invitation to attend a food festival in Paris, where Markfed would set up a stall to represent Punjab. He had also been invited by the French government to attend the event.
Additionally, he said, he had received an invitation to visit Japan for three days to watch the men’s and women’s hockey semi-finals and finals.
The Chief Minister expressed disappointment over the delay in obtaining permission for the visits, arguing that such engagements could help Punjab attract investment, promote its products and generate employment opportunities.
He said he had approached the court and hoped to receive permission the following day. Mann maintained that the proposed visits were intended to serve Punjab’s interests by encouraging investors to establish businesses in the state and create jobs, particularly for young people.
Condemning the tragic incident in Mansa, the Chief Minister said strict action would be taken against everyone found responsible.
He said those involved in planning or conspiring behind the incident, along with those directly responsible, would also face action under the law.
Mann criticised opposition parties for allegedly politicising the tragedy, saying the government’s priority was to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
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