By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Jul: The long-pending process of appointing permanent Managing Directors in Uttarakhand’s energy corporations has finally been completed. Following the approval of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, PC Dhyani has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), while AK Singh has been named Managing Director of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL). It may be recalled that, for a long time, a policy of ad-hocism was being witnessed in all the 3 power corporations of the state. Extensions were being repeatedly granted to retired MDs, something that had also earned the ire of Uttarakhand High Court. In fact, in one incident, one non-technical officer was appointed MD of PTCUL in alleged violation of rules and the appointment was taken back following a reprimand by the High Court. The government also tried to change rules and make it possible for non-technical officers to head the power corporations and faced embarrassment as a result. However, for several months now, the power corporations were being run without permanently appointed MDs.
Finally, after a long time, interviews for these crucial posts were conducted at the Secretariat, yesterday. According to information released by the government, a total of 18 candidates had applied for the positions, of which 16 were shortlisted for interviews. Fourteen candidates eventually appeared before the selection panel. After the process was completed, the selected names were forwarded to the Chief Minister, who gave his final approval, paving the way for the issue of appointment orders.
For a considerable period, both UPCL and UJVNL had been functioning under interim arrangements, with interim officials holding charge of the Managing Director’s office. This situation naturally led to delays in administrative and strategic decisions, and the absence of permanent leadership had been a matter of concern. The UPCL and UJVNL employees’ unions had also expressed deep concern at the undue delay. Fresh appointments given now are expected to provide clarity and direction to the corporations, ensuring that pending projects and policy decisions move forward with greater speed.
Principal Secretary Dr R Meenakshi Sundaram confirmed that the Chief Minister’s approval has set the process in motion for formal appointment orders.
