Jaipur: State energy secretary Alok passed away in the early hours of Monday in New Delhi following a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife and two sons.A 1993-batch Rajasthan cadre officer, additional chief secretary Alok, who was on deputation to the Centre, took over the reins of the debt-ridden energy department in Feb last year after the new BJP govt came to power. He played a key role in steering the state govt’s strategy to overhaul the sector by signing MoUs with the central PSUs and expediting the rollout of decentralised solar projects at the sub-station level, aimed at solarising agriculture connections.While much of the revamping, long-term in nature, is still in the early stages of progress, and the state’s power utilities, including discoms, are still burdened with debts of about Rs 1.5 lakh crore, his passing away comes as a big loss for the sector. Around two months ago, he relinquished charge of the department to discoms chairman Arti Dogra as he moved to Delhi for treatment. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed his condolences and said Alok was a source of inspiration for many in his fraternity. Energy minister Heeralal Nagar also acknowledged his commitments to bringing changes in the power sector. “He was a capable and dutiful administrative officer. He made tireless efforts to materialise the resolve of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma to make Rajasthan a leader in the field of energy,” said Nagar in a statement.During his career, Alok worked as collector of Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner and also helmed crucial departments as MD of RSRTC, RIICO, principal secretary of PWD, and revenue, among others.
