Chairman SAIL Or NAYAK? When Governance Turns to Gimmicks…

At a time when the nation’s attention is riveted on “OPERATION SINDOOR” and the military and diplomatic high-stakes response to a hostile, rogue and terror-spreading neighbour Pakistan, one would expect the heads of India’s strategic enterprises to reflect that seriousness.

But inside the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)—a Maharatna PSU playing a pivotal role in the nation’s infrastructure and defence ecosystem—a different drama is unfolding. One that bears uncanny resemblance to a Bollywood blockbuster.

Chairman Amarendu Prakash has launched an initiative titled “One Day’s Chairman”, with a tagline that screams: “It’s An Opportunity For You – Make It Count.” While creative leadership and employee engagement are welcome, the timing and optics of such a move evoke more concern than commendation.

This article doesn’t aim to scoff at innovation. On the contrary, SAIL—like any large institution—needs fresh thinking. But to borrow a phrase, “Nero fiddled while Rome burned,” and right now, it appears that SAIL is fiddling with fantasies while real structural fires need urgent dousing.

The comparison to Nayak – The Real Hero, a 2001 Anil Kapoor starrer, isn’t just metaphorical. In the film, Kapoor’s character becomes the Chief Minister for a day and, in one sweeping move, suspends thousands of corrupt officials, arrests cabinet ministers, and transforms governance overnight. Noble as it may sound on screen, real-world governance isn’t scripted in 70mm.

If this initiative is meant to drive home a message of transparency, meritocracy, or fresh thinking, where is the policy backing it? Where are the indicators that it isn’t just another PR stunt or an internal morale booster dressed in theatrical garb?

At a time when SAIL’s workforce is grappling with real issues—profitability pressure, resource optimization, and global competition—what it needs is long-term leadership, not role-play. Decisions at the top must be about strategic foresight, not sound bites.

Mr. Amrendu Prakash must remember that symbolic actions without substance don’t inspire—they distract. SAIL deserves leadership that is grounded, responsive, and aligned with national priorities. If this initiative is meant to start a conversation, let it be followed with real policy action. If not, it risks becoming another footnote in the long chapter of corporate theatrics.

In these times of national test and tension, we expect our Maharatnas to act like them—with gravity, grace, and grounded governance. Anything less is not just tone-deaf—it’s a disservice.

If this was intended as an employee engagement or leadership development initiative, the context, timing, and communication clearly haven’t landed well in some quarters. The question now becomes: Is this “One Day’s Chairman” scheme just optics, or is there a deeper organizational reform agenda behind it?

Sources within Steel Authority of India Limited tell www.indianpsu.com that SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash has passed a stern message to officials to well publicize the competition with the Steel Maharatna employees.

Maybe, Mr. Amarendu Prakash could be a vociferous and ardent fan of Anil Kapoor or late Amrish Puri, but why is he playing a crude joke by wasting time of 59,000 employees of the second-largest producer of steel in the world ???

We Report, You Decide…