BS People: A K Garg

MTNL finally gets a new boss

After a gap of almost two years, state-run telecom firm MTNL, which offers telecom services in the premium markets of Delhi and Mumbai, has got a permanent chairman and managing director.

A K Garg, who earlier held the post of Director (HR) in BSNL, took over from Kuldip Singh, who was given additional charge of CMD since January 2010 after the resignation of former CMD RSP Sinha.

Garg assumed his post at a time when the company is running into losses, with declining market share and fewer number of new subscriber additions because of intense competition and low tariffs in the telecom industry. Communications and IT minister Kapil Sibal has taken a keen interest in the functioning of MTNL and the other loss-making, state-run telecom PSU, BSNL. Sibal is confident of turning both the PSUs around and has directed the department of telecommunications (DoT) to review the performance of both firms on a monthly basis.

With 34 years of experience, Garg holds a BE degree in Electronics and Communications and a Masters in Communications Systems from University of Roorkee. He had joined DoT through the Indian Telecommunications Services Group ‘A’ service in December 1977.

During his tenure in DoT and BSNL, he worked in various capacities as General Manager, Chief General Manager and Director, BSNL Board.

MTNL, in a statement, said that Garg has wide experience in human resource, creation/promotion of new services, lines and new streams for DoT and BSNL, with strategic expertise in the field formation, as well as in circles and corporate office. He also has strong capabilities in leading small and large functional teams to study and achieve specific business goals.