New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in several strategic Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), reinforcing the government’s vigilance and anti-corruption framework across key sectors, including heavy industries, defence production, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.
The appointments, cleared on July 24, 2026, are for a period of three years and cover Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), four defence PSUs based in Kanpur, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). In a separate order issued on July 22, 2026, the ACC also approved the appointment of a Chief Vigilance Officer in Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL), Bengaluru.
Arun Gupta Appointed CVO of BHEL
Arun Gupta (ITS:2001) has been appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Delhi, under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
As CVO, Gupta will be responsible for overseeing vigilance administration, promoting transparency and ensuring integrity in the functioning of one of India’s largest engineering and manufacturing public sector enterprises.
One CVO for Four Defence PSUs in Kanpur
The ACC has appointed Rajesh Kumar (CPSE:2001) as the Chief Vigilance Officer for four defence Public Sector Undertakings headquartered in Kanpur under the Department of Defence Production.
He will oversee vigilance functions in:
- Gliders India Limited (GIL)
- Troop Comforts Limited (TCL)
- Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL)
- India Optel Limited (IOL)
These four PSUs were created following the restructuring of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board and play significant roles in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Geeta Mohapatra Named CVO of HAL
Geeta Mohapatra (ITRS:2006) has been appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, under the Department of Defence Production.
HAL is India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturing company, and the appointment is expected to further strengthen vigilance oversight within the strategic enterprise.
Vatchala Cari to Oversee Vigilance in BSNL
The ACC has also appointed Vatchala Cari (IRS-IT:2005) as the Chief Vigilance Officer in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Delhi, under the Department of Telecommunications.
As CVO, Cari will be entrusted with monitoring vigilance administration and preventive vigilance measures in the state-owned telecom company.
Separate ACC Order for KAPL
In a separate order issued on July 22, 2026, the ACC approved the appointment of Manoj N (IRTS:2013) as the Chief Vigilance Officer in Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL), Bengaluru, also for a three-year tenure.
KAPL, a public sector pharmaceutical company, functions under the administrative control of the Department of Pharmaceuticals and plays an important role in the production and supply of essential medicines.
Strengthening Vigilance Across Strategic PSUs
The latest appointments reflect the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening institutional vigilance mechanisms across major public sector enterprises operating in strategic sectors such as defence, heavy engineering, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.
Chief Vigilance Officers serve as the nodal officers for vigilance administration within their respective organisations, overseeing preventive vigilance, investigating corruption-related complaints and ensuring adherence to integrity and transparency standards.
