Two babus including ex-CS in race for new RERC chief

Hunt for the new chairman of Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has begun in the corridor of power as the incumbent Vishvanath Hiremath is set to retire in May end after completing 65 years age. Two retired bureaucrats, including a chief secretary, are in the race for the post and lobbying has already begun.

According to highly placed sources, the energy department has received applications of 39 candidates who will play an effective role in the development of energy sector by determining the tariff for generation, supply, transmission and sale of electricity - wholesale, bulk or retail.

The candidates who have applied for the post include retired IAS officers and specialists in power sector who have served across the country. However, the name of two applicants- a retired chief secretary and a chairman who heads a body which looks after affairs of the energy sector, have emerged as strong contenders to grab the top post. A decision on any one of them will come from the chief minister officer (CMO).

“The chairman of RERC will retire in May end and the candidates have started sending applications for the post. I can’t quote exactly the number of applications received till date,” said Gopal Lal Jasoaria, deputy secretary with the energy department.

If the sources are to be believed, the chances of the retired chief secretary are brighter as he has recently retired and has a period of 5 years to serve the post. While another candidate, who also happens to be a retired IAS officer, has already served two years as a chairman in a power sector body and is left with three years only to serve.

May is crucial for the Raje government in terms of appointment on plums posts. Apart from RERC chairman, the government has to search replacement for RPSC chairman Radheshyam Garg who will retire in May. Also, the government has to look for a new chief secretary if NC Goel is not given the extension.

39 candidates

According to sources, the energy department has received applications of 39 candidates who will play an effective role in the development of energy sector by determining the tariff for generation, supply, transmission and sale of electricity - wholesale, bulk or retail.