Delhi Vigilance department flags ‘illegal’ appointment of DERC advisor

The vigilance department has sought comments from the power department and Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) for allegedly appointing a Principal Advisor (Tariff), and extending “undue favours”, in violation of the DERC Act, 2003, said a senior Delhi government official. It also issued a memorandum to current DERC Principal Advisor (Tariff) Ashok Kumar Singhal for committing alleged “malpractice”.

Singhal was appointed to the post within 8 months after he retired as a member of DERC (after superannuation). As per the documents, DERC redesignated the post of Executive Director (Tariff) as Principal Advisor (Tariff) to fill it on a temporary basis and appointed Singhal for three years. “The power department remained silent and did not take any action… to undo appointment of Singhal…,” the memo said.

In a response, Singhal said, “I haven’t appointed myself… Commission appointed me may be because of my financial background… These are false allegations… I’ll reply to the memo and give my answer.” He also said he was a commercial employee but on a government assignment. He said DERC has replied twice to this matter.

A senior official in the power department said, “We are preparing a reply and will send it within the deadline.”