Chandigarh: A fresh confrontation is emerging between the Government of Punjab and power-sector engineers after the state amended eligibility criteria for top leadership positions in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited.
At the centre of the dispute is a newly introduced provision that enables secretary-level IAS officers to be appointed as Chairman-cum-Managing Directors (CMDs) of both utilities.
The move has drawn strong opposition from the PSEB Engineers’ Association, which says the amendments dilute technical leadership in a sector that requires domain expertise.
Engineers Write to CM Bhagwant Mann Against Amendments
The engineers’ association has formally written to Bhagwant Mann, objecting to the amendments approved during a cabinet meeting held on March 29, 2026 and notified by the state Power Department on March 30.
According to the association, the revised rules violate long-standing policy commitments and bypass the consultative framework followed in previous appointments.
IAS Appointment Provision Becomes Core Flashpoint
The most contentious change is the formal administrative route that now permits appointment of IAS officers to head the two power corporations.
Under the amended rules:
- A serving or retired IAS officer of secretary rank can be appointed CMD of PSPCL
- A serving IAS officer with at least 16 years of service can become CMD of PSTCL
Engineers argue that these posts involve complex technical oversight that should remain under experienced power professionals.
The association says appointing generalist administrators to such positions effectively lowers the technical stature of the institutions.
Engineers Cite Tripartite Agreement Violation
The association has alleged that the amendments violate provisions of the Tripartite Agreement (TPA) signed during restructuring of the former Punjab State Electricity Board.
According to engineers, Clause 5(g) of the agreement was meant to preserve technical leadership in successor power entities.
They had earlier raised similar objections in a communication sent to the Chief Minister on December 23, 2025, when an IAS officer was appointed CMD of PSPCL.
October 2025 Appointment Seen as Trigger Point
According to the association, the present controversy is part of a larger pattern that began in October 2025, when the government appointed a secretary-rank IAS officer as CMD of PSPCL.
Engineers argue that:
- The appointment did not fit eligibility criteria then in force
- Rules were later amended to retrospectively legitimise that appointment
This has intensified distrust within the engineering cadre.
Technical Director Criteria Also Altered
The association has also raised serious concerns over revised qualifications for technical director posts.
Earlier Rule for Director (Generation), PSPCL
Candidates needed:
- Minimum one year as Chief Engineer
- Five years at SE/CE level in generation field
or - 20 years overall generation experience
New Rule
Now eligible are:
- Chief Engineers with two years in any field
- Superintending Engineers with three years generation experience, even without promotion to CE
Engineers Say Non-Generation Officers Can Now Head Generation Wing
Officials within PSPCL argue that the amended criteria create anomalies.
Under new provisions:
- officers without any generation experience can become eligible
- experienced generation specialists may become ineligible if CE tenure is below two years
This, according to engineers, allows non-generation officers to head highly specialised generation operations.
Concerns Extend to Distribution and Transmission Leadership
The association says similar qualification changes affect:
- Director (Distribution), PSPCL
- Director (Commercial), PSPCL
- Director (Technical), PSTCL
They argue these changes weaken merit-based technical progression.
IAS Officers Also Eligible for Finance and HR Director Posts
The revised rules also introduce administrative alternatives for non-technical director posts.
Now eligible:
- Serving IAS officers with 12 years of service for Director (Finance)
- Serving IAS officers with 12 years of service for Director (Human Resources)
This broadens administrative entry into utility leadership.
Engineers Warn of Impact on Punjab’s Power Stability
The engineers’ body has warned that weakening technical leadership could affect Punjab’s long-term power management, especially ahead of the crucial paddy season.
The paddy season is considered one of Punjab’s highest electricity demand periods.
Engineers fear that policy decisions without strong technical oversight may affect:
- Generation planning
- Transmission stability
- Distribution efficiency
Association Seeks Immediate Rollback
The PSEB Engineers’ Association has demanded:
- Immediate withdrawal of amended eligibility criteria
- Restoration of earlier consultative process
- Adherence to 2011 Power Department notification framework
Ajaypal Singh Atwal Raises Revenue Concerns
Association General Secretary Ajaypal Singh Atwal has warned that diluted leadership standards could have wider consequences.
He alleged that such changes may lead to:
- Artificially lowered loss figures
- Distorted operational parameters
- Weakened revenue discipline
He described the trend as potentially becoming a “death knell” for Punjab’s power sector.
