BSNL's corner office goes open market as Centre seeks new CMD

New Delhi: The government has set up a search and selection committee for the appointment of a chairman and managing director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) on an immediate absorption basis. The move follows the government extending the additional charge given to Robert Ravi as CMD of BSNL for six months, effective April 15, 2026.

Applicants for the post can be from government departments or from private sector companies with an annual turnover of at least ₹2,000 crore. ET had reported in its April 23 edition that the government was looking to open the CMD post for the private sector.

"The government of India has constituted a search-cum-selection committee (SCSC) under the chairpersonship of chairman, PESB, for appointment on immediate absorption basis to the post of CMD, BSNL, in the scale of pay of the post ₹80,000-₹1,25,000," a notice from the department of telecommunications (DoT) said.

The deadline for submitting applications is July 22. Applicants must be between the ages of 45 and 59. Individuals from central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), including full-time functional directors and other Group A officers of the central government, are eligible to apply. Additionally, those working in state public sector enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹2,000 crore or more can also apply for the position.

As per the notice, an applicant employed in a regular capacity at a private sector company with an annual turnover of ₹2,000 crore or more will also be eligible for the post. "Applicants who retired from board-level positions on a whole-time basis from private sector companies where annual turnover is ₹2,000 crore or more shall also be eligible," the notice said, adding that preference will be given to candidates from listed entities.