As the new political dispensation in Punjab, under Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, is set to roll out sops in the run-up to the Assembly polls, the state Finance Department has been asked to explain the bahi khata (accounts) of the past four and a half years.

It is learnt that the department would also present its report on termination of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with three independent power producers, wherein it was suggested that the government could look at the exit clause by continuing to pay capacity charges for three years. This way, the state can then buy cheaper power and in turn save hundreds of crores of rupees given to the power producers as fixed charges, says a report of the Finance Department.

The Financial Department to present report on termination of PPAs with three independent power producers

If govt opts for exit clause by continuing to pay capacity charges for three years, then it can save hundreds of crores of rupees

Also on the drawing board is asset monetisation, where the government can lease out its assets to private entities to raise additional Resources