Lobbying on for power regulatory panel chief

Tribune News Service

Shimla September 22

Around 25 bureaucrats, police and forest officers are vying for the post of Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission. The present incumbent Sushil Negi, a retired IAS officer, had assumed office on October 1, 2015.

There is intense lobbying by retired IAS, IPS and forest officers to get the post. The race has narrowed down between two technocrats, one serving and the other retired. They are JP Kalta, who is the Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board, and DK Sharma, who was the Chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

Intense lobbying is on with former Chief Secretary Vineet Chawdhary and retired IAS officer Manisha Nanda being in the race. Some retired IPS and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers too have applied for the post.

However, the government is treading cautiously as the earlier appointment of Member, H Electricity Regulatory Commission, has already been challenged in the High Court.

The government has appointed Secretary, Law, Yashwant Chogal as Member in the commission though he is yet to join.

Sharma was appointed the BBMB Chairman in April 2017 and has completed his three-year term. Sharma had served as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPC). Kalta retired as the Chairman of the HPSEB in April this year.