New Delhi: In a strong signal of the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards institutional corruption, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on Wednesday terminated Novman Ahmed from his post as Managing Director of Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (India) Limited (HSCC).
Ahmed, who was appointed to the top post in December 2022 following selection by a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), has been summarily repatriated to his parent cadre, NBCC (India) Limited.
Repatriation to NBCC, Disciplinary Action Likely
According to official sources, Ahmed will return to NBCC (India) Limited at the rank of Executive Director, where he is expected to face a formal charge-sheet and disciplinary proceedings.
The decision marks a rare instance of the termination of a hand-picked SCSC appointee, underlining the Centre’s tightening oversight of leadership roles in Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs).
Vigilance Probe and Wider Irregularities
The termination follows a detailed vigilance scrutiny, the findings of which were reportedly considered “substantive” by MoHUA.
Highly placed sources indicated that the case involves a broader pattern of administrative lapses, including:
- Alleged misappropriation of funds
- Manipulation in capital-intensive consultancy projects
- Procedural irregularities in high-value contracts
In total, 11 senior officials were charge-sheeted during the investigation. While six officials were reinstated pending further inquiry, five officers—including Novman Ahmed—remain under active disciplinary scrutiny.
Praveer Kumar Given Additional Charge as HSCC MD
To ensure continuity of operations, the Ministry has swiftly moved to address the leadership vacuum.
- Praveer Kumar (IA&AS: 1999)
- Currently serving as Joint Secretary (NUDM), MoHUA
has been assigned additional charge as Managing Director of HSCC, with immediate effect.
Message to CPSUs: Governance Standards Under Tight Watch
The abrupt removal of a senior PSU head underscores the government’s intent to enforce stricter governance, transparency, and accountability norms, particularly in CPSUs involved in health infrastructure, consultancy, and large-scale public projects.
The move is being seen as part of a broader effort to restore institutional credibility and deter corruption at senior management levels.
About NBCC (India) Limited
NBCC is a government-owned construction and project management company engaged in executing residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects across India. With a strong focus on delivering large-scale projects efficiently, NBCC plays a vital role in nation-building initiatives.
Read also: BEL Signs MoU with HSCC to Develop Advanced Healthcare Solutions for Civilian and Defence Markets
