New Delhi: In a key administrative development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of A. Robert J. Ravi as the Additional Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
The decision was communicated through MTNL’s BSE filing today, confirming that Ravi will continue to hold the additional charge for another three months.
Tenure Extended Till January 2026
According to the official order, “In continuation of this Department’s order dated 14.07.2025 and to ensure that the post(s) of CMD, BSNL along with CMD, MTNL and CMD, BBNL does not remain vacant, as an interim measure and subject to the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), the additional charge of the post(s) of CMD, BSNL along with CMD, MTNL and CMD, BBNL in favour of Ravi A Robert Jerard, DDG, DoT is extended for a further period of three months w.e.f. 15.10.2025 till 14.01.2026, or till the appointment of a regular incumbent, or until further orders, whichever is earliest.”
This extension ensures continuity in leadership across three major state-run telecom entities—BSNL, MTNL, and BBNL—as the government moves forward with its strategic plans for the telecom sector.
A. Robert J. Ravi to Oversee Multiple Key Telecom PSUs
Ravi A Robert Jerard, currently serving as Deputy Director General (DDG) at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has been holding the additional charge of CMD positions at BSNL, MTNL, and BBNL to avoid any administrative vacuum during the ongoing restructuring and revival process.
His extended tenure will allow the organizations to maintain operational stability and focus on executing key government initiatives such as network expansion, 4G/5G rollout, and infrastructure modernization.
Part of Government’s Broader Telecom Strategy
The decision comes at a time when the government is working on strengthening public sector telecom undertakings to enhance digital connectivity and reduce dependence on private networks. The revival and synergy of BSNL, MTNL, and BBNL are considered essential for achieving national telecom and broadband goals, especially in rural and underserved areas.
About MTNL
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) is a state-owned telecommunications service provider under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. Established in 1986, MTNL primarily operates in the metro circles of Delhi and Mumbai. The company offers fixed-line, broadband, and mobile services and has been a key player in India’s telecom history. MTNL plays a strategic role in the government’s connectivity mission and has been aligned with BSNL and BBNL under the broader telecom reform and revival initiatives.
