Dehradun, 15 November 2024. Advocate and RTI activist Vikesh Singh Negi has announced his intention to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Nainital High Court, highlighting alleged corruption and irregularities within Uttarakhand’s power corporations. Negi expressed concern over the ongoing controversies surrounding the reappointment of senior officials in these corporations and has called for a vigilance investigation to address these issues.
Negi raised questions about the extensions granted to officials like UPCML’s MD Anil Yadav and UJVNL’s MD Sandeep Singhal after their retirements, arguing that such practices could encourage favoritism and deter capable officers from rising in the ranks. He further criticized the lack of investigation into a reported INR 26 crore tender scam in PITCUL, questioning why police action has stalled despite a registered case in Patel Nagar Police Station.
Furthermore, Negi highlighted the case of Praveen Tandon, PITCUL’s suspended General Manager (Legal), who has petitioned the High Court against Acting MD PC Dhyan. Tandon, accused of negligence and misconduct, allegedly withheld office keys and documents even after a committee was formed to address the matter. Negi suspects that Tandon’s actions might be an attempt to create pressure by taking legal action.
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Advocate Negi urged Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who oversees the power corporations, to clarify the government’s stance on corruption within these entities. He called for a thorough vigilance inquiry into the wealth accumulation of several officials suspected of disproportionate assets. Additionally, he criticized the government for its laxity in establishing a Lokayukta, which he believes is essential to combat corruption effectively.
Negi reiterated that if the government fails to act promptly, he may file another PIL to expedite the Lokayukta’s appointment and ensure stricter accountability for high-ranking officials and politicians involved in alleged corruption.
