New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has assigned Ms. Kalyani Sethuraman (IRAS:1994), currently serving as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, with additional charge of CVO at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), also based in Bengaluru.
Additional Charge Approved Post Repatriation of Nilabhra Sengupta
According to an official order issued by the DoPT on Monday, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal to entrust Ms. Sethuraman with the additional responsibility, effective from the date Nilabhra Sengupta (IRSSE:1997) relinquished the charge following her repatriation to her parent cadre.
Ms. Sethuraman has been holding the additional charge since February 15, 2025, and will continue to do so for six months or until the appointment of a regular CVO, whichever is earlier.
Background of Kalyani Sethuraman
A 1994-batch officer of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), Ms. Sethuraman is a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in finance and vigilance-related functions. She is currently posted as full-time CVO at HAL, one of India’s premier aerospace and defense PSUs.
This is not the first time Ms. Sethuraman has been assigned vigilance responsibilities at BEL. She has previously served as CVO of BEL, which adds to her familiarity with the organization and its operations.
Continuity in Vigilance Oversight
The additional charge ensures continuity in vigilance oversight at BEL, a key defense public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. The move is seen as a step toward maintaining transparency and accountability in the functioning of major defense PSUs.
BEL and HAL are both strategic establishments under the Ministry of Defence, and the appointment reflects the government’s confidence in Ms. Sethuraman’s expertise in handling sensitive and high-responsibility roles.
Key Details at a Glance
- Officer: Kalyani Sethuraman (IRAS:1994)
- Current Role: Chief Vigilance Officer, HAL Bengaluru
- Additional Role: Chief Vigilance Officer, BEL Bengaluru
- Effective From: February 15, 2025
- Approved By: Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)
- Duration: Six months or until a regular appointment is made
About BEL
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a state-owned aerospace and defense company established in 1954, with its headquarters and a major complex in Bangalore. As a “Navratna” Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, BEL manufactures advanced electronic products and systems for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and has grown into a multi-product, multi-technology conglomerate. The company is a key player in the defense industry, involved in areas like radars, communication systems, naval systems, and electronic warfare, and also undertakes projects in homeland security and smart cities.
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company that designs, manufactures, and maintains aircraft, helicopters, and related components like aero-engines and avionics. Founded in 1940, it is headquartered in Bengaluru and operates under the Ministry of Defence. HAL plays a key role in India’s aerospace industry, serving as a major supplier to the Indian Air Force and also contributing to space programs by manufacturing components for rockets.
