Post Brakel decision, Mittal may be shifted

After the Himachal Cabinet deciding against canceling the hydro-project allotted to Dutch company Brakel Power Corporation...

After the Himachal Cabinet deciding against canceling the hydro-project allotted to Dutch company Brakel Power Corporation, Principal Secretary Ajay Mittal, who wrote the draft order for the cancellation, may get change orders.

Mittal, who is on Election Commission EC duty at Chittorgrah in Rajasthan, is expected to return after December 9, once the votes are counted. By then, the winter session of the Assembly will begin at Dharamshala. There are chances of the Brakel issue being raked up in the House by the Congress, to pin down the Dhumal government.

Mittal8217;s charge is currently with RK Jain, Chairman HPSEB, instead of Arvind Mehta, Principal Secretary Finance. Mehta was a member of the Chief Secretary8217;s panel to reconsider Mittal8217;s recommendation for canceling the project allotment.

Sources say Jain may be asked to continue with the charge along with his existing assignment as Power Board Chairman, even after Mittal8217;s return. Sources add that a new slot equivalent to Mittal8217;s seniority and rank is being worked out.

Senior officials point out that Mittal8217;s change may now be required. 8220;If Reliance Energy, a rival company fighting a protracted legal battle against Brakel, files a petition in the High Court, it will become embarrassing for the government to defend its decision to restore the Jangi Thopan Powari project to the company,8221; an official stated.

Mittal had issued two show cause notices to Brakel, and had even recommended registration of a criminal case. He had also recommended forfeiting the Rs 194 crore paid as upfront premium by the company, and penal interest for delay in depositing it.

Before BJP8217;s return to power, Mittal had a successful tenure as Director Himachal Institute of Public Administration HIPA. Though a low-profile post, he transformed the institute8217;s outlook and working environment.

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If Mittal himself gives up the charge of Principal Secretary Power or the government chooses to make changes, there could a minor bureaucratic reshuffle.

Last week, the government posted AJVB Prashad, Director HIPA, as Divisional Commissioner Kangra. Some officers who were given marching orders to other districts and far-off stations may be brought back to Shimla.