PSEB chief gets one-year extension

Sources said the notification was issued on December 24 but was dispatched only on December 29,almost a week later. “The delay occurred as many other things had to be considered,but following the firm backing of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal,the chairman’s term was extended”,said the source.

The decision comes at a time when the Centre has asked Punjab to spell out a clear roadmap for corporatisation of the Board,which is reeling under accumulated losses and a high debt burden. Punjab has been requesting for extensions on the plea that it is not in a position to clear huge outstanding arrears of the Board running into over Rs 7,500 crore.

The issue of Brar’s extension had become contentious topic owing to his son’s alleged involvement in a case of assaulting a policeman. Brar,who had earlier served as Member Distribution of PSEB,was appointed PSEB chairman in 2008,replacing Y S Ratra. Brar,a mechanical engineer,retired as Chief Engineer after working in the Board for 35 years.

Talking to The Indian Express,Brar confirmed that he has received the notification and said he would continue his drive against power theft and make PSEB more consumer-friendly. “I would like to bring more transparency in the working of PSEB,” he added.