Government Headhunter Fails to Find Suitable HPCL Chief

21 Jun 2024 CW Team

India's Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), responsible for appointing top executives in public sector enterprises, has faced difficulties in selecting a suitable candidate for the top post at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The board's efforts to fill this crucial leadership position in one of India's major state-owned oil firms have encountered challenges despite the search process.

The vacancy at HPCL arose following the retirement of the previous chairman and managing director. The PESB, tasked with ensuring transparent and merit-based appointments, conducted extensive interviews and evaluations to identify a candidate capable of leading HPCL through its strategic objectives and challenges in the oil and gas sector.

However, the board's search did not yield a candidate deemed suitable for the role, highlighting the rigorous standards and criteria set for leadership positions in India's public sector enterprises. The inability to finalize an appointment underscores the complexities involved in selecting executives for critical positions in state-owned companies, where leadership stability and strategic vision are paramount.

HPCL, a prominent player in India's oil refining and marketing sector, plays a crucial role in the nation's energy security and economic development. The position of chairman and managing director at HPCL requires a blend of industry expertise, leadership acumen, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and market dynamics.

As the search for HPCL's top executive continues, the PESB remains committed to identifying a candidate who can effectively steer the company towards sustained growth and competitiveness in the evolving global energy landscape.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..