Chandigarh, 23 July (H.S.): Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) Chairman Nand Lal Sharma passed away on Thursday morning in Panchkula after suffering a brain stroke. He had been admitted to a private hospital on July 19, but his condition did not improve.

Nand Lal Sharma assumed charge as the Chairman of HERC on February 2, 2024. A native of Himachal Pradesh, he previously served for more than six years as the Chairman and Managing Director of SJVN Limited, a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Sharma began his career in 1989 as an officer of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS) and served in several key positions in the state government until 2008. During his administrative career, he held important posts including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, Land Acquisition Collector, Commissioner (Workmen’s Compensation), Director (Ayurveda), and Special Secretary (Health), Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Expressing grief over his demise, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal said Sharma's passing is a great loss and described him as a visionary administrator who made significant contributions to the growth and expansion of SJVN. He added that Sharma’s services to the power sector, particularly as HERC Chairman, would always be remembered.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also condoled Sharma’s death, saying the state had lost an energetic and forward-looking officer whose contribution to the effective functioning of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission was invaluable. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH