Lucknow, Oct. 8 -- After months of delay and continued employees' protest for over 300 days, the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to fast-track the process of privatising power distribution in 42 districts under Agra and Varanasi distribution companies (discoms) together, following the return of chief secretary SP Goyal from medical leave.

"The privatisation process was delayed by about two months due to a change of the chief secretary and the new incumbent SP Goyal proceeding on a long medical leave soon after taking charge. Now that he has resumed office, the process will be expedited," said a senior energy department official, adding that the chief secretary, as chairperson of the Energy Task Force (ETF), played a key role in maj...