Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC)'s Principal Adviser (tariff) Ashok Kumar Singhal has resigned from his post.

This comes after Delhi government Vigilance Department issued a memorandum  to him regarding alleged serious malpractice in the DERC in which it was pointed out that  his appointment as Principal Advisor (Tariff) was in violation of all rules and regulations.

He had worked as OSD to the then Minister of Health (also for Power) Satyendra Jain, who is in jail in connection with money laundering case. He had also served as a member of DERC.

“Due to family circumstances and my ill health, I may not be able to continue further as Principal Adviser (tariff). Therefore, I hereby resign from the post.

“It is requested that the resignation may be accepted and notice period of the month may be waived off,” Singhal said in his resignation letter.   DERC is currently functioning with only one member.

" Singhal, currently working as Principal Adviser (tariff), DERC, may explain as to why suitable recommendations be not made against him for takingaction as per rules, for various omissions and Commissions and for violations of statutory provisions, not maintaining good conduct after superannuation, dereliction of duty and compromising with the neutrality and independence of DERC,”

reads the memorandum issued to him.

The memorandum said that it appears that Power Department remained silent and have   not taken any steps to undo the appointment of Singhal as Principal Advisor (Tariff), and  Satya Gopal (the then Additional Chief SecretaryPower/IPGCL/PPCL) (Now Retd. on superannuation basis) thus extended undue favor to Singhal in violation of above mentioned statutory position.