New Delhi: In a surprising and unprecedented development, Ex-IAS officer Navneet Kumar Sehgal has resigned as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, bringing his tenure to an abrupt end less than nine months after he assumed office. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting accepted his resignation – submitted on December 2 – under Section 7(6) of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, and relieved him with immediate effect.
Although his appointment was for three years or until age 70, Mr Sehgal’s stint concluded after serving just 1 year and 8 months in the role.
No Official Reason Cited Amid Speculation
Officially, no reason has been disclosed for Sehgal’s sudden exit. However, sources suggest that the retired IAS officer from the 1988 Uttar Pradesh cadre was reportedly “asked to step down.” His resignation has sparked intense speculation about internal differences and administrative pressures within the public broadcaster’s governance structure.
Read Also: Who Is Navneet Sehgal, the New Prasar Bharati Chairperson?
Mr Sehgal had submitted his papers earlier in the day, prompting immediate acceptance by the central government and opening up a fresh leadership void at India’s largest public service broadcaster.
Appointment That Ended a Long Vacancy Now Leaves Another
IAS Sehgal was appointed on March 16, 2024, ending a prolonged vacancy at the top of Prasar Bharati following the completion of A. Surya Prakash’s term in February 2020. His sudden departure once again places the institution at a crossroads, raising questions about administrative continuity and future leadership plans.
The government is expected to begin consultations for the new appointment soon.
About Navneet Kumar Sehgal
A Bureaucrat Known for Influence Across Governments
Navneet Kumar Sehgal is widely regarded as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential IAS officers, known for his administrative acumen, crisis-handling abilities, and long-standing relationships with leaders across political spectrums.
In his 35-year career, Sehgal served key roles under BSP, SP, and BJP governments. He worked closely in the core teams of Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, and Yogi Adityanath, holding high-impact administrative responsibilities regardless of the ruling party.
Early Life and Education
Born in Faridkot, Punjab, in 1963, Sehgal completed his early schooling in Ambala and Bhiwani. At the age of 19, he completed B.Com, followed by Chartered Accountancy (CA) in 1986 and Company Secretary (CS) in 1987. He briefly practiced CA before preparing for the civil services.
Career Highlights
Architect of Landmark Infrastructure Projects
- UPEIDA Chairman & CEO: Led the construction of the 302-km Agra–Lucknow Expressway in a record 22 months.
- Principal Secretary, Tourism (UP): Negotiated a major World Bank tourism loan and pushed large-scale tourism initiatives.
- Principal Secretary, MSME (UP): Spearheaded the flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
Senior Administrative Roles Across Sectors
- Information & Public Relations: Served over 15 years as a key strategist for UP Chief Ministers.
- Energy Secretary (UP): Oversaw North India’s first power distribution privatization project in Agra and planned 30,000 MW of new power capacity.
- Urban Infrastructure: Played a role in planning Lucknow Metro and executing major PPP projects, including the JICA-supported water supply pipeline to Agra.
He retired from civil services in July 2023 as Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, before taking charge of Prasar Bharati in 2024.
Uncertainty Ahead for Prasar Bharati
His sudden resignation reinstates a leadership vacuum at Prasar Bharati, raising concerns about administrative stability at a time when the public broadcaster is navigating digital restructuring, content reforms, and modernization efforts.
The government is yet to announce interim arrangements or begin the formal process for appointing the next Chairman.
Read Also: Navneet Sehgal back as Additional Chief Secretary, Information in UP Govt
