Govt to announce appointments of BSNL, MTNL chiefs soon

The government today said it will soon appoint CMDs for state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL.

"Selection process for filling up of the posts of CMDs of BSNL and MTNL has been completed. Further action is underway," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal today said while unveiling the Department of Telecom's 100-days action plan and achievements.

The post of BSNL CMD has been vacant since August 2010 year, while the position of MTNL chairman and managing director has been vacant since January last year.

The government had set up a committee, headed by Sam Pitroda, who is also the National Knowledge Commission Chairman and advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, for the selection of candidates.

At present, the additional charge of BSNL CMD has been given to DoT Member (Services) S C Misra, after acting CMD Gopal Das retired in February. The full-time CMD of BSNL, Kuldeep Goel, retired last year.

MTNL's last full-time CMD, RSP Sinha, resigned on January 12, 2010, after which Technical Director Kuldip Singh has held the additional charge.

Though the government has appointed acting CMDs for both the public sector units, the heads have been unable to make any decision regarding the functioning of these firms.

An earlier selection panel had shortlisted candidates for the two posts, but the list was scrapped.

Increasing competition and increasing wage costs have impacted BSNL and MTNL in a major way and the companies have been losing revenues and market share on a constant basis.

The Minister said the post of Director (HR) for BSNL and ITI Director (Finance) has also been filled up, while the selection for the post of Director (Finance), TCIL and Director (HR), IT has also been completed.

Sibal said the process of filling up the post of BSNL Director (Finance) and Director (Enterprise) has been delayed on account of litigation and stay orders.

"The stay order in respect of BSNL Director (Enterprise), has been vacated and the further process is expected to take place soon. Regarding the post of BSNL Director (Finance), the final judgement of Delhi High Court is awaited," Sibal added.