Avinash Azad
Jammu, Aug 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's claims to improve power sector in J&K seem to be halfhearted as even after 13 years of its formation, State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) continues to be understaffed.
Even after repeated communications by the commission seeking staff strength at par with such commissions in other states, the state government is yet to do anything in this regard.
Sources informed Early Times that the SERC has been working even in the absence of sanctioned minimum staff. Seven months back, the commission had written to state government seeking filling of vacant posts and sanction of more posts but all in vain, the sources added.
"In February, 2014, the last communication was sent to government. Earlier, a similar communication was forwarded by the commission, which also remains unheard", sources said, adding that shortage of staff is hampering functioning of SERC. "A communication was also sent to the government in second week of November, 2013," he said adding that in the absence of required staff it is difficult for commission to achieve its goal.
"Post of Private Secretary to Chairman SERC and four posts of Junior Stenographers are also laying vacant. Chairman and Members of the Commission are managing the work of these officials on their own", sources said, adding that there were 16 sanctioned posts of supporting staff out which 7 posts were vacant.
"Against the four posts of drivers, not a single driver has been appointed by the government to run. Four cars given to the commission are lying unused," sources said, adding that the four posts of Class-IV employees were too vacant.
The commission had come in force on April 18, 2000, following an Act passed by State Government for the establishment of State Electricity Regulatory Commission, rationalization of electricity tariff, transparent policies regarding subsidies, promotion of efficient and environmentally benign polices and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had made many claims to improve power sector in the state, but shockingly, a much ambitious monitoring body which was formed to regulate power sector is facing obstacle to perform its duties. |
