Inordinate delay in filling CMD, Director posts in PSUs, says NCOA

• The government is yet to appoint full-time CMD at two Maharatna PSUs: ONGC (Oil & Natural Gas Corporation) and GAIL (India) Limited
• The NCOA has called for the implementation of 2nd and 3rd PRC (pay revision) in CPSEs where it has not been done yet

New Delhi: Expressing concern over the inordinate delay in filling up the posts of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) and Directors in PSUs, the National Confederation of Officers' Association (NCOA) has demanded that the government act immediately to fill these crucial, top-level posts. At a recent meeting that took place in Goa on September 3 and 4, the NCOA's National General Council, which represents below board-level executives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), deliberated on various issues related to the public sector.

The news comes as the government is yet to appoint full-time CMD at two Maharatna PSUs: ONGC (Oil & Natural Gas Corporation) and GAIL (India) Limited. While ONGC has been functioning without a full-time CMD since April 1, 2021, the CMD post at GAIL fell vacant recently on August 31. The post of Director (HR), one of the most crucial positions for managing the human resources department of PSUs, is vacant at BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd), HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd) and ONGC.

The NCOA demanded that the PESB (Public Enterprises Selection Board) increase the number of candidates shortlisted for top PSU posts from 12 to 24 to facilitate early filling of board positions. It pointed out that in many cases, the selection process has been referred to search committees due to lack of suitable candidates, which has delayed the appointment process.

NCOA expresses dissatisfaction over PSU privatisation policy

While NCOA voiced its satisfaction with the government's initiative to strengthen BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) and MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited), it expressed extreme discontent and dissatisfaction over the Centre's PSU privatisation and closure policy.

NCOA calls for 2nd, 3rd pay revision for PSU employees

The officers' association also called for the implementation of 2nd and 3rd PRC (pay revision) in CPSEs where it has not been done yet as a way to motivate the employees. "The profit-making rider of the government for revision of basic salary of employees even after 10-plus years is unjust and arbitrary. Erring the salary even for employees who still continue at 1997 and 2007 scale is highly objectionable and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure payment of salary in time," the NCOA said in a statement. It has also decided to approach the judiciary in the matter.

It also said that the rulebook discriminate between CPSE employees and government employees. "Hefty taxes are levied on CPSEs employees on pretext of notional perquisites. This differential, unfair and unjust treatment in taxation of CPSEs employees vis-a-vis Central government employees is another major concern. Leave encashment of CPSE employees is also taxed, while it is tax-free for government employees, which is a gross discrimination against CPSE employees," said the NCOA.

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