The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has granted an extension to Ranjan Prakash Thakur, an officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) 1990 batch, to continue his tenure as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
Mr Thakur, who assumed charge as CVO on April 29, 2022, will now serve in this critical role until September 30, 2026 – the date of his superannuation – or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Role and Responsibilities as CVO of ONGC
As the CVO of ONGC, Thakur is entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing vigilance administration within the Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). His duties involve promoting transparency, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, and strengthening the organization’s internal oversight mechanisms to safeguard its operations from corruption and misconduct.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
With an extensive career spanning over three decades in public service and administration, Ranjan Prakash Thakur has built a reputation for leadership and strategic governance. Before his current role at ONGC, Thakur held several prestigious positions, most notably serving as the Principal Secretary for Industry, Commerce, and Civil Aviation in the Government of Jammu & Kashmir from 2021 to 2022. He also served as Executive Director (Fuel Transportation) at NTPC in 2021.
Thakur’s remarkable career includes numerous high-level assignments within Indian Railways, such as Executive Director in the Ministry of Railways (2015–17), Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Patna/Danapur Division (2017–2020), and Chief Safety Officer in 2020. He also held key positions as Director (Passenger Marketing) and Director (Coordination) in the Ministry of Railways from 2002 to 2007, and served as Private Secretary to the Union Minister of Tourism & Culture and Information & Broadcasting from 2007 to 2012. Additionally, he took charge as Additional Director General of Doordarshan from 2012 to 2014, further enhancing his leadership profile.
Academic Background and Professional Expertise
Thakur’s educational credentials are equally impressive. He is an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). He is also a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore, and has further honed his skills with a diploma in Multi-Modal Transport from Germany. This blend of academic achievement and operational expertise has enabled him to excel in his multifaceted roles across various government sectors.
A Strategic Appointment for ONGC
Thakur’s tenure as CVO at ONGC has seen him play a pivotal role in fortifying the company’s internal vigilance and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. The extension of his deputation signifies the trust and confidence the government has in his ability to continue driving positive change within one of India’s largest public sector enterprises.
As he continues to lead vigilance efforts at ONGC, Thakur’s broad experience across public administration, governance, and safety will be crucial in ensuring that the organization remains a model of efficiency and ethical governance.
