Chandigarh | November 11, 2026
The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has welcomed a new Chairman, with retired IAS officer Arun Kumar Gupta formally assuming charge of the prestigious position on November 10, 2026.
The Haryana Government appointed Arun Kumar Gupta as Chairman of HERC on November 6, 2026, following his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service. The appointment was made by the Governor of Haryana under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003. He will hold office for a period of five years from the date of taking the oath of office or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Oath Ceremony Held at Haryana Niwas
Arun Kumar Gupta took the oath of office and secrecy at Haryana Niwas on November 10, 2026. Haryana's Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij administered the oath in the presence of senior government officials and other dignitaries.
Following the ceremony, Gupta expressed his commitment to discharging his responsibilities with dedication, transparency and impartiality. He also emphasised the importance of protecting consumer interests and improving the overall efficiency of Haryana's power sector.
An Experienced IAS Officer with a Distinguished Administrative Career
Arun Kumar Gupta is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre. During his long administrative career, he held several important positions in the Haryana Government and contributed to various key areas of governance and administration.
One of his significant assignments was as Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, a position he assumed in November 2024. Before that, he served in senior administrative positions, including Additional Chief Secretary-level responsibilities in the Town and Country Planning, Industries and Commerce, and Finance and Planning Departments.
His administrative experience also includes direct exposure to the electricity sector. He has previously served as Secretary of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission and as Managing Director of power utilities.
Having worked in different departments of the Haryana Government, Gupta brings considerable administrative experience and institutional knowledge to his new responsibility.
He retired from the Indian Administrative Service on September 30, 2026, before being appointed as the Chairman of HERC.
Vacancy Following the Demise of Former Chairman Nand Lal Sharma
The appointment comes after the unfortunate demise of former HERC Chairman Nand Lal Sharma on July 23, 2026.
Following his demise, senior-most Member Mukesh Garg was entrusted with officiating responsibilities as Chairman until a regular appointment was made.
With Arun Kumar Gupta now assuming charge, the Commission has a regular Chairman to lead its functioning.
A New Chapter for HERC
The appointment of Arun Kumar Gupta marks a new chapter for the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. His extensive experience in public administration, financial management and the power sector is expected to bring valuable institutional understanding to the Commission.
His association with HERC in the past, coupled with his experience in managing important government departments and power utilities, makes his appointment particularly noteworthy.
The electricity sector in Haryana continues to evolve, and the Commission plays an important role in ensuring a balanced approach towards the interests of consumers, power utilities and other stakeholders.
As he assumes his new responsibility, the legal and power sector fraternity looks forward to his leadership and guidance.
LawDaily.org extends its congratulations and best wishes to Shri Arun Kumar Gupta on assuming charge as Chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. We wish him a successful and impactful tenure.