Government Considers Private Sector Appointment for BSNL CMD Role
BSNL CMD role may open to private sector as govt looks beyond internal candidates
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
The Indian government is contemplating appointing a chairman and managing director (CMD) for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) from the private sector, a significant shift from tradition. This decision comes after a prolonged vacancy following PK Purwar's exit, with Robert J Ravi currently serving in an interim capacity since July 2024.
- 01BSNL may appoint a CMD from the private sector for the first time.
- 02Robert J Ravi has been acting as CMD since July 2024.
- 03The government is exploring a transparent selection process for the new CMD.
- 04BSNL has faced challenges in finalizing candidates due to ongoing investigations.
- 05The company has reported financial losses despite previous quarterly profits.
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The Indian government is considering allowing Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to appoint a chairman and managing director (CMD) from the private sector, breaking from its traditional practice of selecting internal candidates. This decision follows a significant delay in filling the position after PK Purwar's tenure ended in July 2024. Currently, Robert J Ravi, deputy director general at the Department of Telecommunications, has been acting as CMD since then. The government aims to establish a fair and transparent selection process with clearly defined eligibility criteria. Previous attempts to appoint a new CMD saw over 10 candidates interviewed, but no appointments were made, partly due to ongoing investigations against some directors. Despite BSNL's previous quarterly profits of ₹262 crore and ₹280 crore in FY25, the company reported a net loss of approximately ₹1,306 crore in the third quarter of FY26, highlighting the urgency of leadership stability.
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The appointment of a new CMD could stabilize BSNL's leadership and potentially improve its financial performance, affecting employees and stakeholders.
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