PMK slams delay in tatkal farm power connections

CHENNAI: Despite collecting deposits to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore from applicants under the tatkal connection scheme, the State government and the power distribution entity, TNPDCL, delayed providing agricultural electricity connection to over 60,000 farmers, alleged PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss.

While 55% of the State's agricultural lands rely on river and canal irrigation, which heavily depend on water release from neighbouring states, the remaining 45 per cent depends entirely on groundwater, he noted.

"Over four lakh farmers are currently on the waiting list for free farm power connections to run pump sets," he claimed. The PMK leader alleged that under the tatkal scheme announced last December, 47,554 farmers applied by depositing amounts ranging from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 4 lakh depending on the horsepower of their pump sets, totalling over Rs 1,250 crore.

"Additionally, 12,566 farmers who applied under the same scheme in 2023 deposited over Rs 250 crore and are still waiting," he added.

Despite the power utility (TNPDCL) mandate to supply connections within 15 to 90 days of application, not a single connection from the recent drive has been provided even after eight months, Anbumani said, noting that most of these farmers borrowed money at high interest rates to pay the advance fees. "Unable to cultivate during the Kuruvai season without power, they are now saddled with mounting debt and severe financial distress," he said.

The delay was a grave injustice to the farming community, the PMK chief said, and urged the State government to act immediately and expedite the issue of free power connections.