New Delhi: At the 84th Foundation Day celebrations of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Union Minister Jitendra Singh heaped praise on Central Electronics Limited (CEL) for its remarkable turnaround and significant contributions to national defense efforts.
Addressing the gathering, Singh recalled that CEL, a mini‑ratna PSU under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, was on the verge of being disinvested in 2021. The government had approved its sale to Nandal Finance and Leasing Private Limited for ₹210 crore, but the decision was later reversed in September 2022. “CEL was almost disinvested… somehow we managed to put that decision on hold,” Singh said.
He complimented CEL’s Chairman & Managing Director, Chetan Prakash Jain, saying: “It has come up very beautifully and they have become profit making within two years.” Singh noted the pride of CEL’s employees and management in the face of earlier uncertainty caused by the proposed sale.
Contribution to Operation Sindoor & Strategic Technology
Singh revealed that CEL provided sensors for missiles used in Operation Sindoor, underlining the company’s revival and strategic relevance. “You will be glad to know that it has also made a certain amount of contribution to Operation Sindoor by providing them (armed forces) with the sensors for missiles that were used,” he said.
He further praised CEL’s technological capabilities, noting its history in developing solar photovoltaic systems, axle counters for railway signalling, and critical components for defense applications.
Turning Crisis into Opportunity, And a Focus on Sovereignty
Singh recounted that CEL’s CMD was emotionally affected when the proposed disinvestment decision was announced, but went on to lead the turnaround. He used this anecdote to stress the importance of technological sovereignty in determining geopolitical strength: “Technology sovereignty will determine geopolitical sovereignty in times to come.”
He also referred to the Akashteer Air Defence System, praising its performance and saying those who designed it had not foreseen how efficient it would become. He humorously added that Pakistan inadvertently offered a test bed for Indian defense systems.
Departments such as Space and Atomic Energy were also acknowledged for their “critical roles” in Operation Sindoor.
CEL’s Legacy & Future Prospects
Incorporated in 1974, CEL has long been regarded as a pioneer in solar PV technology and axle counters for railway signalling. Over the years, it has ventured into defense electronics and strategic components.
After the aborted disinvestment, CEL has managed to return to profitability and regain its standing as a strategic PSU. With renewed government backing and recognition of its defense contributions, CEL is poised for a stronger role in India’s technology and manufacturing sectors.
About Central Electronics Limited
Central Electronics Limited (CEL) is a Mini-Ratna Category‑I PSU under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology. Established in 1974 at Sahibabad, CEL is a pioneer in power electronics, renewable energy systems, and railway automation. Over decades, it has played a crucial role in advanced technological applications and sustainable innovation. The appointment of a new CMD will guide CEL into its next era of growth and contribution to India’s science and technology ecosystem.
