Lok Sabha Question No. 3175 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-07
Subject: Appointments in PSUs
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Kali Charan Singh

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3175 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 TH  AUGUST 2025

## APPOINTMENTS IN PSUS

## † 3175. Shri Kali Charan Singh:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  true  that  Public  Sector  Undertakings  such  as  BPCL,  HPCL  and  NTPC  are facing a shortage of qualified internal leadership for top positions like Chairman and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  several  senior  officials  have  been  declared  'Not  Found  Suitable'  by  the  Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) during the selection process and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether appointments of Chairmen in Undertakings like HPCL were made from the private sector thereafter;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  analysed  the  reasons  for  continued  gaps  in  leadership, strategic thinking and global perspective amongst the officers appointed across the Public Sector Undertakings; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to introduce  any new  policy for professional development, succession planning and global training for senior officials and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛमंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (c): The  appointments to  the  posts  of  Chairman  or  Functional  Director  in  Public Sector  Undertakings  (PSUs)  are  made  based  on  criteria  and  process  laid  down  by  Public Enterprises  Selection  Board  (PESB).  As  per  these  criteria,  upto  a  total  of  12  candidates  are shortlisted  by  PESB,  which  can  include  internal  candidates,  sectoral  candidates,  external candidates and candidates from Central Government/ Private Sector/ State PSUs.

Based  on  the  candidate's  performance  in  the  interview,  with  emphasis  on  their  managerial capabilities, leadership qualities, broad vision, track record and overall suitability, recommendations are made for appointment by the PESB.

For certain positions which inter alia have included Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) in BPCL, HPCL and NTPC, the PESB keeping in view the strategic importance and vision for the company and its future, did not recommend any candidate and advised the respective Ministry to choose an appropriate course of further action for selection including the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) or as deemed appropriate. Accordingly, SCSC have been constituted by the Government from time to time.

The  SCSC  constituted  for  the  post  of  CMD,  HPCL,  has  thereafter  recommended  a  candidate fromprivate sector for appointment.

(d) & (e): Central  Public  Sector  Enterprises  (CPSEs)  are  commercial  entities  and  issues related to recruitment/ promotion/ transfer/ training of the post below Board Level employees of CPSEs are dealt with by the management of the respective CPSE as per their Human Resource Policy. Government has already issued an advisory to CPSEs in January, 2019 on 'Professionalization  of  below  Board  level  management  in  CPSEs.'  This  advisory,  inter-alia, provides that the CPSEs should strive for leadership development and succession planning. In addition, training/ capacity building programmes have also been conducted from time to time for PSU officers under the aegis of the Capacity Building Commission.

*****