Srinagar, Dec 07 (KNO): The Union Power Ministry has set the ball rolling for appointment of chairperson of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories.
With the incumbent chairperson of the quasi-judicial body completing his term on May 25, 2025, the Power Ministry has initiated the process to find his replacement.
To begin with, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Ministry has invited applications from suitable candidates for the coveted position.
As mandated under section 84 of the Electricity Act-2003, the Chairperson of the JERC shall be a person of ability, integrity and standing with adequate knowledge of, and demonstrated capacity in dealing with problems relating to engineering, finance, commerce, economics, law or management.
According to the Union Power Ministry’s circular, appointment to the post of chairperson, JERC for UTs of J&K and Ladakh shall be governed by the relevant provisions of Electricity Act-2003 and The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Union Territories except Delhi(Salary, Allowances and Other Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Member) Rules 2007 and as amended from time to time.
As per MoP’s circular, chairperson, who is entitled to receive pay as admissible to the Secretary to Union Government, shall hold the office for a period of five years from the date on which he/she joins office or attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Set-up in 2020, the JERC for J&K and Ladakh is empowered to decide on electricity tariff and other allied matters.
The Commission comprises a chairperson and one member. It is worthwhile to mention that MoP had last year initiated the process for filling vacant sole of member in the body—(KNO)