Ratra, victim of politics?
Naveen S Garewal
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 13
The Punjab government today appointed HS Brar, member, Distribution, Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB), as board’s chairman for a period of one year after the outgoing incumbent YS Ratra reportedly had difference with his political bosses over the issue of unbundling of the PSEB.

It is learnt that in a meeting held recently, Ratra had told Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and others that Punjab had no choice but to unbundle the PSEB as required under the Electricity Act 2003.

The Centre had granted Punjab several extensions, the final one till November 30, 2008, to separate the generation and distribution work. As Punjab was denied extension beyond this period, Ratra reportedly wrote to the state government to abide by the Act. Since PSEB employees are opposing the setting up of companies to run the board in a more “ efficient and professional” manner as required by the Act, and Ratra being reluctant to play the Punjab government’s game, he was replaced by Brar.