Tempo Gyatso Bhutia Takes Oath as Member (Law) of Sikkim Electricity Regulatory Commission

Gangtok, April 15: Tempo Gyatso Bhutia was sworn in as the Member (Law) of the Sikkim State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SSERC) during a formal oath-taking ceremony held at the Office of the Chief Secretary in Gangtok on Tuesday. The appointment marks a significant step towards strengthening the legal and regulatory framework governing the electricity sector in Sikkim.

Tempo Gyatso Bhutia takes oath as Member (Law) of the Sikkim State Electricity Regulatory Commission in the presence of Chief Secretary R. Telang in Gangtok. (Image: DIO Gangtok)

The oath of secrecy and affirmation of allegiance to the Constitution of India was administered in the presence of Chief Secretary R. Telang, who presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by senior officials from the Government of Sikkim, including the Secretaries of the Home Department, Power Department, and Law Department, along with officers and staff of the Sikkim State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

According to officials, Bhutia's appointment has been made under the provisions of Section 89 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which provides for the constitution and functioning of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. His induction into the Commission is expected to further strengthen the institution's legal expertise and enhance its role in regulating the power sector in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The Sikkim State Electricity Regulatory Commission serves as the state's independent statutory body responsible for regulating electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and tariff determination. The Commission also plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, accountability, and fairness in the functioning of the power sector while balancing the interests of consumers, electricity utilities, and other stakeholders.

Officials noted that the inclusion of a dedicated Member (Law) would further reinforce the Commission's ability to address legal and regulatory matters effectively, ensuring that decisions are consistent with statutory provisions and promote good governance within the electricity sector.

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Senior government officials present at the ceremony congratulated Tempo Gyatso Bhutia on assuming his new responsibilities and expressed confidence that his legal expertise, experience, and commitment to public service would contribute significantly to the effective functioning of the Commission.

They observed that a robust and transparent regulatory mechanism is essential for ensuring reliable power supply, encouraging investment in the energy sector, protecting consumer interests, and supporting the state's long-term development objectives.

The ceremony concluded with a formal vote of thanks, during which officials reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening institutions that promote efficient governance and sustainable development in Sikkim's power sector. The appointment is expected to further enhance the Commission's ability to deliver fair, transparent, and effective regulatory oversight in the years ahead.