In a significant development, Arun Prasad T, a 2008-batch officer of the Indian Economic Service (IES), has been appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). The appointment falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
According to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment for an initial tenure of three years from the date of assumption of charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Key Role in Oversight and Anti-Corruption Efforts
As the Chief Vigilance Officer, Arun Prasad will serve as the nodal authority for vigilance matters within the VPA. The role is crucial in ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in the functioning of the port authority, which is one of India’s major ports handling large-scale commercial shipping operations.
CVOs are appointed from senior ranks of All India Services or Central Services and play an instrumental role in maintaining institutional discipline and investigating cases of misconduct or corruption in government-run entities.
Background of Arun Prasad T
While detailed information on Arun Prasad’s prior postings has not been officially disclosed in this order, he brings to the role the expertise and analytical acumen associated with the Indian Economic Service. Officers from IES often serve in key economic, infrastructure, and regulatory positions, contributing significantly to policy design and implementation.
About Visakhapatnam Port Authority
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority, located on the eastern coast of India, is one of the 13 major ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It plays a strategic role in handling imports and exports across sectors like petroleum, iron ore, coal, steel, and fertilizers.
The appointment of a new CVO comes at a time when maritime infrastructure is seeing a renewed focus under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency and connectivity.
