Centre Appoints 7 Chief Vigilance Officers Across Key PSUs Including IOCL, SAIL, BEL and DoT
ACC clears key CVO appointments to strengthen transparency, accountability, and vigilance oversight in strategic sectors
The Central Government has approved the appointment of seven Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) across major public sector undertakings (PSUs) and key government departments, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and robust governance in critical sectors such as telecom, steel, energy, and defence.
According to an official order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), six officers have been appointed for an initial tenure of three years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders. One appointment carries an extended tenure until September 15, 2028.
Key Appointments
The newly appointed officers bring diverse administrative and technical expertise from across civil services:
- Babji Patchilla (IOFS:1998) has been appointed as CVO of Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI), Bengaluru.
- Dalip Singh Bhadauria (IOFS:2002) takes charge as CVO of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Delhi.
- Trinadh Kumar Goriparti (IFoS:2002) has been appointed as CVO of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Visakhapatnam.
- Dilip Kumar (IRSME:2002) becomes CVO of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Delhi.
- Rajesh Kumar Singh (IRSS:2002) is appointed as CVO of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Delhi.
- Shailendra Singh (IFoS:1997) takes over as CVO of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Delhi, with tenure extended until September 15, 2028.
- Saravanan Mannai Pathakkam (IPoS:2000) has been appointed as CVO of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru.
Strengthening Vigilance Framework
These appointments underscore the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening vigilance systems within strategically important PSUs and departments. By deploying senior officers from services such as the Indian Ordnance Factory Service (IOFS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and various Indian Railways services, the government aims to enhance institutional integrity and improve oversight mechanisms.
The standard three-year tenure for most appointments ensures stability and continuity in vigilance functions, while select extended tenures allow for sustained monitoring in critical organisations.
Role and Importance of CVOs
Chief Vigilance Officers play a pivotal role in maintaining ethical governance within organisations. Their responsibilities include:
- Monitoring internal processes and compliance
- Handling vigilance complaints and investigations
- Advising management on anti-corruption measures
- Promoting transparency and accountability
With these appointments, the government is reinforcing vigilance oversight in sectors that are central to India’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and national security.
About Key Organisations
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): India’s largest oil and gas PSU, engaged in refining, pipeline transportation, and fuel marketing.
- Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI): A government-owned telecom manufacturing company supporting telecom infrastructure.
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT): The central authority for telecom policy, licensing, and regulation.
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL): Operates the Vizag Steel Plant, a key contributor to India’s steel sector.
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL): One of India’s largest steel producers with multiple integrated plants.
- Power Finance Corporation (PFC): A leading NBFC funding power sector and infrastructure projects.
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): A premier defence PSU specializing in advanced electronic systems.
