Power Utilities
Tenure of interim panel extended
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 30
The Punjab government has increased the tenure of the interim committee which is managing the affairs of the new electricity utilities -- Powercom and Transco -- formed after restructuring of the erstwhile Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB), till June 10.

The interim committee had been earlier appointed for a period of six weeks after restructuring of the PSEB. The government had solicited applications for the appointment of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of both companies as well as their Directors during this period.

While according to earlier timelines, the new structure was to be put in place in three weeks’ time; this has been delayed due to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s absence. The CM is at present away to visit his wife, Surinder Kaur Badal, who is undergoing medical treatment in the US.

According of sources, former member Distribution of the PSEB and at present a member of the interim committee, KD Chaudhary, is the front-runner for being appointed as Chairman of Powercom. Chaudhary is known not only for his administrative acumen but is also credited with conducting the first pilot project whereby meters were shifted out of houses and installed in boxes. This project is now being implemented all over the state.

The sources said bureaucrat Anurag Aggarwal, who is at present the Chairman of the interim management committee, is among the front-runners for appointment as Chairman of Transco. Aggarwal has earlier served as Member, Finance, of the PSEB. However, recent appointments given to contractual workers under his stewardship of the interim committee have resulted in a controversy with those left out, including sportsmen, crying foul.