JKSPDCL functioning hampered sans full time MD, many projects await approval
TNN Bureau. Updated: 1/19/2019 11:12:11 AM
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JUNAID SIDIQ
SRINAGAR: In the absence of a full time managing director (MD) since the past six months, many projects in the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) are pending for the want of approval.
The JKSPDC, which is the only power generating corporation of the state, is functioning without the services of a full time MD after former IAS officer Shah Faesal left to United States (US) for studies on a scholarship. Soon after his return, Faesal resigned from government services to join politics.
Even though the charge of MD was given to administrative secretary Power Development Department (PDD) Hirdesh Kumar, sources said the corporation is facing hard times in the absence of a full time MD since the past six months.
“The unavailability of a full time MD is hampering the developmental progress of the corporation. Many files are pending for the want of approval,” sources said. “Even the decisions which are of minute works take months to get cleared.”
Sources said that in the absence of a full time MD, no board meeting has taken place in the corporation due to which many projects are pending for the want of approval.
According to the Companies Act of 2013 it is mandatory for any organisation registered under the Companies Act to convene meetings of its board four times in a calendar year with a maximum gap of 120 days between the two successive meetings.
The last time board of directors met was on 3 December 2017 in its 73rd meeting.
Sources said the human resources policy which was a long pending demand of the employees examined by a committee constituted by General Administrative Department (GAD) under order no 676-GAD of 2018 is still awaiting final approval from the board.
The JKSPDCL employees have now written a detailed letter to Governor Satya Pal Malik on non-seriousness on part of the government to make the corporation fully functional.
The JKSPDCL which was incorporated as Private limited company on 16th February 1995 was meant to execute, complete, operate and maintain all power stations and power projects of the State.
Sources said the lackadaisical approach of the government towards JKSPDCL has undermined its potential, which otherwise could turn around the fortunes of power sector of the State.
In 2016 JKSPDCL had planned to start 66 power projects with a total capacity of over 7,600 Megawatts in the next seven years.