New Delh: NewsIP readers will be astonished to hear that the post of Chairman Indian Oil has become so prized that all sorts of games are being played around the selection. First, we shared the funny situation of how an allegedly an incumbent, in shadow of several controversies, is just not willing to let go of the seat: despite his tenure being ‘over’ extended. Fevicol bond on kissey wali kursi. Today there was a meeting of the search committee presumably to shortlist candidates. Word is out that several Directors of Oil companies, amongst them two from Indian Oil, have received hush hush telephone calls as per current dispensation and fashion of Video interviews. These are scheduled to be held on Sunday. Some Senior Executive Directors have also received the magic call.
NewsIP refrains from taking names since we believe in ethical journalism. But most would agree that the Indian Public needs to know in broader details, especially when the position is of the head of a PSE which is an extension of government and indirectly the taxpayers money is impacted.
It goes beyond all reason and common sense as to why a departure from well established convention of declaring a duly signed list of shortlisted candidates as is done in case of actual Selection? Is shortlisting more confidential than actual Selection? This defies all logic. Certainly the shortlist being in the public domain will beget greater transparency. And if there is any fear of leakage, then it raises doubts on the entire process.
Just as one IAS selection had opened a can of worms is there more than meets the eye in case of selection of a Chairman of a PSE ? All such legitimate questions arise for which none of the concerned actors are willing to explain. On most occasions calls go unanswered. And of course nothing is given in writing. In such a situation disturbing doubts arise on what the committees want to hide ? Why can’t the selections be more transparent? Why this should be obscure behind the back convert operations?