• By Kamakshi Bishnoi
  • Thu, 01 May 2025 11:06 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Grant Thornton, the consultancy firm that prepared the draft proposal for privatising power distribution in 42 districts under the Purvanchal and Dakshinchal Electricity Distribution Corporations, has now approached the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) amid mounting controversy.

The firm is facing serious allegations of violating tender terms and submitting a false affidavit—specifically, concealing details of a penalty imposed by a US regulator. In response to these allegations, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) had earlier sought a clarification from the company. Although Grant Thornton has submitted its reply, the Corporation has yet to take a conclusive decision on the matter.

Amid the stalemate, UPPCL has now requested the UPERC to allow a meeting with the company's representatives. The Commission has scheduled a meeting with five representatives of the firm on May 2. However, this move is being strongly opposed by the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council.

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Council Chairman Avadhesh Verma has called for immediate blacklisting of the consultancy firm, arguing that the submission of a false affidavit is a serious breach. Verma, who has already submitted a proposal of public importance to the Commission, claims that the tender evaluation committee should have disqualified the firm the moment the concealment came to light.

He further alleged that to shield the company from action, UPPCL Chief Engineer D.C. Verma himself wrote to the Commission requesting the meeting. Questioning the Commission's role, Verma asked what authority it holds in a matter where the company clearly failed to comply with affidavit norms required under the tender conditions.

The controversy now places both UPPCL and the regulatory body in a tight spot as calls grow louder for accountability and transparency in the privatisation process.