Govt invites applications for BSNL CMD post, including private sector candidates

The department of telecommunications (DoT) has invited applications, including candidates from the private sector, for the role of chairman and managing director of state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL).

BSNL has been without a full-time CMD for the last two years. DoT’s Robert J. Ravi was given additional pay as the company’s CMD on July 15, 2024, and subsequently received multiple extensions. In April, Ravi received a six-month extension until October.

“The government has constituted a Search-Selection Committee (SCSC) under the chairmanship of Chairman PESB (Public Enterprises Selection Board) for immediate appointment to the post of CMD, BSNL, as per the pay scale of this post. ₹80,000-1,25,000, DoT said in its notification on Wednesday. The committee has fixed July 22 at 15:00 IST as the last date for applications.

This is not the first attempt to hire a full-time CMD after PK Purwar’s tenure ends on July 14, 2024. About 10 candidates were interviewed last year but none were shortlisted for the position.

As per the eligibility criteria, the applicant must be an engineering graduate/chartered accountant/cost accountant/postgraduate/graduate with an MBA/postgraduate diploma in management from a leading institute. The minimum age for the candidate is 45 years and the maximum is 59 years.

Private sector candidates must have worked in a company with an annual turnover of 200,000 TL. ₹2,000 crore or more. The position is also available from public sector organisations, central government, Public sector banks and public sector enterprises with an annual turnover of 200 million lira ₹2,000 crore or more.

Turnover criterion

“In applying the approved limit, the audited average annual turnover of the three financial years preceding the calendar year in which the position is announced will be taken into account.” DoT added in the notification that private sector applicants must have worked or were working full-time in board level positions at the time of application.

According to the notification, applicants from the Central government must hold an additional secretary level post in the government of India or an equivalent pay scale.

BSNL reported net loss ₹1,269 crore in the fourth quarter of FY26 compared to net profit ₹280 crore a year ago. Revenue from operations fell 14% year-on-year ₹5,721 crore in the March quarter, hurt by lower revenue across three key segments – consumer fixed access, consumer mobility and enterprise services.

BSNL’s loss in FY26 ₹4,738 crore in FY26 ₹2,247 crore a year ago. Revenue from operations increased by 1.7% ₹21,199 crore, significantly below ₹A target of 28,476 crore has been set under the MoU between DoT and the telecom operator.