New Delhi: The Central government has approved the appointments of four Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in prominent public sector undertakings (PSUs), strengthening oversight and anti-corruption mechanisms in these organizations. The appointments were issued through an official order by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Key Appointments and Tenure
The four officers appointed to the CVO positions are:
- Shelly Srivastava (IRTS:2001) – Appointed as Chief Vigilance Officer, ONGC, Delhi, with tenure up to November 2, 2027.
- Prakash Verma (ITS:1995) – Appointed as Chief Vigilance Officer, HPCL, Mumbai, for a three-year term from the date of assumption of charge.
- Vinod Kumar Sharma (ITS:1999) – Appointed as Chief Vigilance Officer, RITES Limited, Delhi/NCR, for three years.
- Avinash Shivadas Tarhawadkar (IOFS:2001) – Appointed as Chief Vigilance Officer, MRVC Limited, for three years.
Three of the appointments are for a standard tenure of three years or until further orders, whichever comes first, while Shelly Srivastava’s tenure is specifically fixed until November 2027.
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Role of Chief Vigilance Officers
Chief Vigilance Officers are tasked with monitoring vigilance, integrity, and anti-corruption measures within public sector undertakings. Their responsibilities include:
- Investigating complaints of misconduct or corruption.
- Ensuring adherence to government rules and regulations.
- Promoting transparency and accountability in organizational operations.
- Advising management on preventive vigilance and risk mitigation.
The appointment of CVOs in PSUs like ONGC, HPCL, RITES, and MRVC is considered a key step in strengthening institutional vigilance and safeguarding public resources.
Importance of the Appointments
These appointments come at a time when the government is actively working to enhance transparency and efficiency in PSUs. Organizations such as ONGC and HPCL play a critical role in India’s energy and petroleum sectors, while RITES and MRVC are central to rail infrastructure development and urban transport planning. Strong vigilance leadership ensures operational integrity and builds public trust.
Background of the Officers
- Shelly Srivastava (IRTS:2001) – Indian Railway Traffic Service officer with experience in railway operations and administration.
- Prakash Verma (ITS:1995) – Indian Trade Service officer with extensive experience in public sector management and corporate oversight.
- Vinod Kumar Sharma (ITS:1999) – Expertise in technical and economic services, previously associated with RITES in senior management roles.
- Avinash Shivadas Tarhawadkar (IOFS:2001) – Indian Ordinance Factories Service officer, with experience in finance, administration, and rail infrastructure projects.
Strategic Significance
By placing experienced officers in the CVO positions, the government aims to:
- Strengthen internal vigilance and compliance frameworks.
- Ensure ethical practices in high-value contracts and projects.
Minimize risks related to corruption or procedural lapses in PSUs critical to national infrastructure and energy security.
Outlook
With the appointments now in effect, the respective CVOs are expected to immediately assume their responsibilities, ensuring vigilance operations are carried out efficiently across these four key public sector organizations.
About ONGC, HPCL, RITES and MRVC
ONGC: (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited) is India’s largest crude oil and natural gas producer and a Maharatna public sector enterprise, playing a vital role in ensuring the country’s energy security through its extensive onshore and offshore exploration and production operations in India and abroad.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL): is a Maharatna PSU engaged in refining and marketing petroleum products, with a strong nationwide presence through its refineries, fuel retail outlets, and LPG distribution network, while also focusing on cleaner and sustainable energy initiatives.
RITES Limited: is a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise and a leading engineering consultancy company specializing in transport infrastructure, providing services in railways, highways, airports, ports, and urban transport projects in India and internationally.
Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVC): is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, established to implement infrastructure, capacity enhancement, and modernization projects for the Mumbai suburban railway system, one of the busiest rail networks in the world.
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