New Delhi: The government may allow Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to appoint a chairman and managing director (CMD) from the private sector, marking a departure from past practice, people aware of the matter told ET.
The move follows months of delay in appointing a full-time head after the exit of PK Purwar. Robert J Ravi, deputy director general (standards, research and innovation) at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has been holding additional charge as BSNL CMD since July 13, 2024.
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"The option to get an experienced private hand to run BSNL is being explored. There will be a fair and transparent process with clearly laid out eligibility conditions for the position," said a person privy to the details.
A final decision is expected in the coming weeks, the person added.
Last year, BSNL interviewed more than 10 candidates, mostly at the level of director and principal or chief general manager, but did not finalise any appointment.
An official, requesting anonymity, said some directors who could have qualified for the role are under investigation, with chargesheets filed against them. No official has been found guilty so far.
Purwar, who completed a five-year tenure in July 2024, was also among those against whom a chargesheet was filed, ET had reported.
The official said such regulatory action has affected staff morale and added that appointing an external candidate could pose challenges.
"A person who is within the system understands the way things move in a government entity. Staff have a connection with the person but if someone from outside comes, the person needs to adjust," the official said.
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The government is attempting to fill the position internally, but may open it to the private sector if no suitable candidate is found.
Ravi has received multiple extensions for his additional charge, with the latest for three months from April 15, 2026.
During his tenure, BSNL rolled out an indigenous 4G network, deploying 100,000 sites through a Tata Consultancy Services-led consortium.
On the financial front, BSNL reported consecutive quarterly profits of ₹262 crore and ₹280 crore in the third and fourth quarters of FY25, but has since returned to losses. In the third quarter of FY26, the latest reported period, the company posted a net loss of about ₹1,306 crore.
The move follows months of delay in appointing a full-time head after the exit of PK Purwar. Robert J Ravi, deputy director general (standards, research and innovation) at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has been holding additional charge as BSNL CMD since July 13, 2024.
Also read: Scindia unveils revamped Rs 203 crore TDIP scheme to push global telecom standards play
"The option to get an experienced private hand to run BSNL is being explored. There will be a fair and transparent process with clearly laid out eligibility conditions for the position," said a person privy to the details.
A final decision is expected in the coming weeks, the person added.
Last year, BSNL interviewed more than 10 candidates, mostly at the level of director and principal or chief general manager, but did not finalise any appointment.
An official, requesting anonymity, said some directors who could have qualified for the role are under investigation, with chargesheets filed against them. No official has been found guilty so far.
Purwar, who completed a five-year tenure in July 2024, was also among those against whom a chargesheet was filed, ET had reported.
The official said such regulatory action has affected staff morale and added that appointing an external candidate could pose challenges.
"A person who is within the system understands the way things move in a government entity. Staff have a connection with the person but if someone from outside comes, the person needs to adjust," the official said.
Also read: ED eyes Rs 151 crore BSNL land deal in Chennai for new office complex
The government is attempting to fill the position internally, but may open it to the private sector if no suitable candidate is found.
Ravi has received multiple extensions for his additional charge, with the latest for three months from April 15, 2026.
During his tenure, BSNL rolled out an indigenous 4G network, deploying 100,000 sites through a Tata Consultancy Services-led consortium.
On the financial front, BSNL reported consecutive quarterly profits of ₹262 crore and ₹280 crore in the third and fourth quarters of FY25, but has since returned to losses. In the third quarter of FY26, the latest reported period, the company posted a net loss of about ₹1,306 crore.
