By Staff Reporter
The Centre has taken action against alleged irregularities in Delhi’s power sector by issuing a show-cause notice to the former additional chief secretary, Satya Gopal. The Show-Cause Notice is in response to accusations of providing “undue benefit” to two private discoms, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), by altering a subsidy-related proposal.
A memorandum issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) last month revealed that the two discoms owed Rs 16,887 crore to three government power companies until March 31, 2021. The memorandum highlighted a draft note from the Delhi Cabinet’s power department, aimed at releasing 100% of the BRPL and BYPL discoms’ subsidies directly to government power companies in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2021-2022 to mitigate the outstanding amount.
However, the MHA memorandum alleged that Satya Gopal altered the proposal, despite its approval by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and acceptance by the Delhi government’s Finance Department.
The MHA noted, “Satya Gopal, then Addl. Chief Secretary (Power), GNCTD, in contravention to the approval of Chief Minister, Delhi, circulated the Cabinet Note with a different proposal to release 50% subsidy of 1st quarter of FY 2021-2022 directly to BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL).”
The memorandum accused Gopal of lacking absolute integrity, displaying a deficiency in devotion to duty, and acting in a manner inconsistent with the conduct expected of a government servant.
As a response, Gopal has been directed to provide reasons within 15 days from the notice’s receipt, explaining why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for the alleged misconduct. The memorandum clarified that if no response is received within the stipulated time, it will be assumed that Gopal has no further information to submit, and appropriate legal action will be taken against him.