New Delhi: Through an official order on Monday, the Central government has approved the extension of additional charge of the post of ONGC CMD to Dr Alka Mittal by two months, state-run Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) told the stock exchanges. "Further to our letter dated 04.01.2022, it is informed that Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, vide its letter no. CA31011/2/2020-PNG (36039) dated 20.06.2022, has approved extension of additional charge of the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) entrusted to Dr. Alka Mittal, Director (HR), for a period of two months w.e.f. 01.07.2022 to 31.08.2022 or till the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest," said the regulatory filing.

The news comes as the government is keen on roping in private sector executives to head India's largest oil and gas exploration and production company. It is also believed to be considering lucrative pay packages and a higher age limit for attracting experienced executives from the private sector to the job.

Currently, Dr Mittal holds full-time charge of the post of ONGC's Director (HR) and additional charge of the CMD's post. She is the first woman to hold the top-notch position at the PSU. She was given additional charge of the post of ONGC CMD in January this year after the superannuation of Subhash Kumar, who was also holding the post of Director (Finance) before.

ONGC has not had a full-time CMD since Shashi Shanker's superannuation in February 2021.

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