Oil Min. Jt Sec. Giridhar Aramane Who Acted Against RELIANCE Shunted Out?

Latest reports from Delhi say the Joint Secretary (Exploration) in Oil Ministry Giridhar Aramane has been transferred to Andhra, his home cadre. A senior IAS officer who handled sensitive gas pricing issue and matters pertaining to Reliance Industries Limited-held KG D6 block, Mr Giridhar was in news when he took action against Mukesh Ambani-owned RIL for shortfall in production and failure to fully implement the field development programme in the KG D6 block.

Soon after, in August last, the then minister Veerappa Moily created a controversy when he relieved majority of Giridhar’s duties like gas pricing, acquisition of E&P assets abroad, all establishment and administrative matters related to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Videsh Limited and unconventional hydrocarbon. Opposition then attacked Moily’s action as interference favoring Reliance. While Oil Ministry officials say gas pricing in KG blocks is single most important issue now, transfer of a known upright officer from the ministry is sure to make headlines.