In a startling development, it has come to the fore that the State Government has set the stage to appoint an employee of Reliance Infrastructure ltd (RIl) as the Gridco Director (Commercial).
The move assumed significance as the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has cancelled the licences of three power distribution companies, Southco, Nesco, Cesu owned by Anil Ambani-owned RIl for financial un-sustainability, failing to improve supply efficiency and violation of the supply agreement pact with the State last year.
Sources said the selection panel headed by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi on October 27 gave its approval to the name of one Manas Ranjan Das. It was alleged that Das was the chief architect in introducing Reliance in power distribution in the State causing a huge loss to the State.
Now, question arises that while the RIl has challenged the OERC decision in the Central Electricity Tribunal how the State Government has preferred a Reliance employee for the crucial Director (Commercial) position of the Gridco.
At a time when the Gridco is fighting against the RIl in the tribunal, how come the State Government planned to appoint a RIl employee for Gridco.
It was apprehended that he may supply important documents or information of the State Government to the RIl to take on the Government at the tribunal. If Reliance wins the case then a burden of Rs 4,200 crore would be imposed on the State.
However, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is yet to give his nod to the proposal of the Energy Department. Sources, however, said the Chief Minister has expressed displeasure over the move.