The uncertainty regarding the leadership succession at the state owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) continues with the government expected to take more time in finalising the names of the key executives who would be responsible for leading these organisations.

Even as the incumbent chairman and managing director (MD) of BSNL, R.K. Upadhyay demits office on June 30, 2014, the appointments committee of the cabinet (ACC) has declined to name Upadhyay’s successor.

Although Anupam Shrivastava’s [currently, director (consumer mobility), BSNL] name has been recommended by Public Enterprises Selection Board and approved by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and former telecommunications and IT minister Kapil Sibal, the ACC wants the Department of Telecommunications to re-submit a fresh application after consulting the new telecommunications and IT minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Meanwhile, following the retirement of former chairman and MD A.K. Garg on June 1, 2014, the operator continues to be without a CMD with the CVC yet to approve the appointment of P.K. Purwar, currently, director, finance, MTNL as the successor. Appointment of Garg’s successor could take a while as Purwar’s name will be recommended to ACC only after CVC approves the name.