CIL's acting CMD gets extension

Amid delays in appointment of a chief for public sector miner Coal India (CIL), the government has decided to extend the tenure of acting Chairman NC Jha for another three months, an official said.

Jha, who is the PSU's Director (Technical) was given additional charge of Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) after the retirement of Partha S Bhattacharyya on February 28, 2011.

"Director Technical NC Jha who was appointed as the acting chairman for three months till May, 2011 and the government has decided to extend his tenure for another three months," a senior Coal Ministry official told PTI.

The decision was taken following delays in formalities for appointment of the CMD for the Maharatna company, he said, adding that necessary vigilance clearances were yet to be given to the contenders for the post.

Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL) Chairman Tapas Kumar Lahiry had emerged as the front-runner for the top post at CIL when the selection process concluded in November 2010. CMD of Western Coalfields DC Garg was also shortlisted for the post.