After post remains vacant for two years, Centre constitutes committee for appointing BSNL Chairman

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has opened the search for a full-time chairman and managing director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), nearly two years after the top post fell vacant. It is now inviting applications from both public and private sector executives. The move comes after multiple unsuccessful attempts to appoint a permanent chief for the state-run telecom operator. BSNL has been functioning without a full-time CMD since the tenure of P. K. Purwar ended on July 14, 2024.

Robert J. Ravi, a senior DoT official, has been holding additional charge as BSNL’s CMD since July 15, 2024. His tenure has been extended several times, with the latest six-month extension granted in April, allowing him to continue in the role until October this year.

“The government has constituted a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) under the chairmanship of Chairman PESB (Public Enterprises Selection Board) for appointment on immediate absorption basis to the post of CMD, BSNL in the scale of pay of the post of ₹80,000-1,25,000,” DoT said in a notification issued on Wednesday.

DoT has set July 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM as the deadline for submitting applications.

Last year, around 10 candidates were interviewed for the role, but none were shortlisted for appointment, leaving India’s largest state-owned telecom operator without a permanent chief.

The position is open to candidates from the private sector, central and state public sector enterprises, public sector banks, and the Central government. However, private sector executives must have worked in a company with an annual turnover of at least Rs 2,000 crore and should be serving, or have served, in a whole-time board-level position as of the date of application.