New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Bhaskar Chowdary Nettem for appointment as Director (Production) of India’s largest upstream oil and gas company, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
The recommendation was made after a competitive selection process involving 12 senior executives from ONGC and other public sector enterprises.
PESB Meeting and Selection Process
The decision was taken during PESB Meeting No. 42/2026, held at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in New Delhi.
A total of 12 candidates were interviewed for the prestigious Schedule-A board-level post. The selection process included senior-level executives primarily from ONGC’s operational, technical, and project divisions, along with candidates from allied public sector organizations.
Read also: ONGC Appoints Anupam Agarwal as Director (Finance) to Strengthen Leadership and Financial Strategy
Who is Bhaskar Chowdary Nettem?
Bhaskar Chowdary Nettem currently serves as Executive Director (E9) at ONGC.
With extensive experience in India’s hydrocarbon sector, he has held key leadership roles in production and operational management within the company. His selection reflects his strong background in upstream oil and gas operations and field development strategy.
If approved by the government, he will assume responsibility for ONGC’s production portfolio, including:
- Crude oil and natural gas production management
- Optimization of existing oil and gas fields
- Field development planning
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Supporting India’s domestic energy security goals
Other Candidates Interviewed by PESB
The following senior executives were part of the selection process:
- Neeraj Lal – Executive Director, Asset Manager, Bassein & Satellite Asset, ONGC
- Sunil Kumar – Executive Director, Asset Manager, Mehsana Asset, ONGC
- Ashok Kumar – Executive Director and Chief Marketing, ONGC
- Narahari Rangisetti – Head, Offshore Projects
- Shankar Sharan – Refinery, Petrochemicals & Business Development
- Vivekanand – Surface Manager, ONGC
- Manoj Pandey – Engineering & Projects Excellence Centre (EPEC)
- Tapobrato Rana – Production Services
- Atul Gupta – Chief General Manager & Deputy CEO, ISPRL (on deputation from ONGC)
- Om Prakash – Production JV Assets & Business Development
- Rima Kundu – Engineers India Limited (EIL)
Strategic Importance of the Role
The Director (Production) position is one of the most critical board-level roles at ONGC. The position is responsible for:
- Managing nationwide oil and gas production operations
- Enhancing output from mature and new fields
- Driving offshore and onshore project execution
- Supporting modernization and technological upgrades
- Contributing to India’s long-term energy security strategy
The appointment comes at a time when ONGC is focusing on production enhancement, deepwater exploration, operational efficiency, and energy transition initiatives.
What Happens Next?
Following the PESB recommendation, the appointment will now be forwarded for approval by the competent authorities under the Government of India. After final clearance, an official notification will confirm the appointment.
Once approved, Bhaskar Chowdary Nettem will formally join the ONGC Board as Director (Production).
About ONGC
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited is India’s largest crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company. As a Maharatna public sector enterprise, ONGC plays a vital role in ensuring India’s energy security through domestic hydrocarbon exploration, production, and development of oil and gas resources across onshore and offshore fields.
