Chandigarh, October 10
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), in partnership with the Punjab Development Commission (PDC), has launched a robust initiative to ensure transparency and enforce a zero-tolerance stance against corruption.
Online Complaint Portal
In June 2025, PSPCL introduced a dedicated online portal—https://grms.pspcl.in—for registering complaints related to corruption and bribery. To enhance accessibility, a link to the portal is sent via SMS to consumers whenever they engage with PSPCL for services such as:
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New electricity connections
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Bill payments or reversals
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Billing discrepancy resolutions
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Service complaints
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Power outage reporting
This initiative empowers consumers to report unethical demands or misconduct seamlessly at any stage of their interaction with PSPCL.
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Investigation and Action
Since its launch, the portal has received multiple complaints from consumers across Punjab. Each case is thoroughly investigated by a three-member Zonal Committee to ensure impartiality and accountability. Below are details of key cases and actions taken:
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Bhalwan Sub-Division (Dhuri Division), Sangrur
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Complaint Date: July 18, 2025
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Allegation: A demand of ₹5,000 for replacing a smart meter with a conventional meter.
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Investigation Outcome: The meter replacement order, pending since November 2022, was completed on September 17, 2024. The accused meter reader, an outsourced employee, was no longer with PSPCL at the time of the complaint.
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Action: The case was referred to DSP Nabha for an FIR and further investigation.
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Focal Point, Ludhiana
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Complaint Date: August 24, 2025
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Allegation: An outsourced meter reader demanded a ₹1,000 bribe to manipulate billing by adjusting excess units to qualify for the government’s free-power scheme.
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Investigation Outcome: The allegations were substantiated.
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Action: The meter reader was terminated from service on September 16, 2025.
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Ludhiana District
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Complaint Date: August 7, 2025
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Allegation: Non-installation of a meter despite connection approval, with the Junior Engineer citing system cancellation and demanding additional payment to reopen the file.
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Investigation Outcome: Bribery could not be proven, but an unjustifiable delay in processing was confirmed.
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Action: A show-cause notice was issued to the official for negligence on September 26, 2025.
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Ludhiana
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Complaint Date: August 17, 2025
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Allegation: Illicit payments demanded for meter installation, including charges for wires and a meter box, with the consumer coerced into paying before the connection was released. No corrective action was taken despite reporting to the Junior Engineer.
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Investigation Outcome: The Enforcement Wing confirmed the allegations and uncovered procedural irregularities, including an unsigned, undated case file and a 2.5-month delay in releasing the connection.
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Action: A show-cause notice was issued to the Junior Engineer on September 29, 2025.
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Commitment to Transparency
PSPCL remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate every corruption complaint rigorously and take stringent action where guilt is established. The corporation aims to set a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
