New Delhi: Mr. Gopinath Sahu has been appointed as a Non-Official Independent Director on the Board of ITI Limited (Indian Telephone Industries Ltd), a government-backed telecom PSU. His term will be for a period of three years from the date of notification, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Mr. Sahu brings with him a strong background in socio-political activism and strategic leadership, particularly within the state of Odisha. Known for his grassroots organizational skills, he has served in various influential roles over nearly three decades in public life.
Extensive Organizational and Political Background
- A dedicated RSS swayamsevak since 1991, Sahu served as a full-time worker with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) from 1994 to 2009, holding key roles such as State Organising Secretary in Odisha.
- Between 2004 and 2009, he was active as an RSS pracharak, during which he mentored numerous youth leaders who have since risen to become MLAs, district presidents, and state-level functionaries within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- He formally joined the BJP in 2018 and currently leads the party’s Communication and Data Division in Odisha, playing a central role in election strategy and management for both the 2019 and 2024 general elections.
Academic Credentials
Mr. Sahu holds a Master’s Degree in Odia Language and Literature from Utkal University, along with an LLB degree from The Law College, Utkal University.
Significance of Appointment
His appointment is expected to strengthen governance and strategic insight at ITI Ltd, especially as the PSU continues to evolve in a competitive telecom and digital infrastructure landscape. His experience in grassroots mobilization, public communication, and political strategy may provide unique value in areas like stakeholder outreach, policy alignment, and organizational restructuring.
ITI Ltd, under the administrative control of the Department of Telecommunications, is India’s first public sector undertaking in the telecom sector and plays a key role in manufacturing and deploying communication technologies for government and enterprise use.
About ITI Limited
Founded post-independence as India’s first Public Sector Undertaking in telecom manufacturing, ITI Limited has been a key player in driving the country’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The company continues to expand its footprint through strategic projects like BharatNet, supporting India’s vision for a digitally connected future.