Delhi: Tarun Chhabra, a senior executive associated with Nokia, has reportedly been finalised by the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). If approved by the competent authorities, Chhabra will take charge of the state-owned telecom operator, bringing senior-level experience from the private telecom technology sector to the organisation.
The formal announcement of his appointment is awaited. The recommendation is expected to be placed before the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for approval.
The reported selection comes as BSNL continues to operate under an additional-charge arrangement, with A. Robert Jerard Ravi receiving successive extensions while the government searches for a regular CMD.
Search-cum-Selection Committee Finalises Tarun Chhabra’s Name
According to the latest developments, the Search-cum-Selection Committee has finalised Tarun Chhabra’s name for the top position at BSNL following the selection process. The recommendation is now expected to go through the required government approval process.
The selection process was initiated after the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) failed to identify a suitable candidate from among the 10 applicants interviewed on March 27, 2025. Subsequently, the responsibility for selecting a regular BSNL CMD was assigned to the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
The final appointment will be subject to approval by the competent government authorities.
Read also: BSNL Appoints Arvind Kumar as Director (Consumer Mobility) Until April 2031
Private-Sector Executives Eligible for BSNL CMD Post
The selection process is significant as the government opened the BSNL CMD position to eligible candidates from both the public and private sectors.
In June 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a notification constituting a Search-cum-Selection Committee under the chairmanship of the PESB Chairman.
The notification invited applications from qualified private-sector executives, subject to prescribed eligibility criteria and professional experience. Applicants from the private sector were required to be associated with companies having an average annual turnover of at least Rs 2,000 crore.
The prescribed age limit for candidates was between 45 and 59 years.
The move was aimed at widening the pool of candidates for the leadership position and allowing experienced professionals from the private telecom and technology sectors to be considered.
Who Is Tarun Chhabra? His Association with Nokia
Tarun Chhabra is a senior telecom industry professional associated with Nokia. A Ministry of Communications press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on August 11, 2025, identified him as Country Head of Nokia India.
The release also mentioned his participation in the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nokia and BSNL, along with other global technology companies. The partnership focused on advanced telecom training in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and networking at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur.
His reported selection for the BSNL CMD position would bring experience from the global telecom technology industry to the leadership of the public-sector telecom operator.
BSNL Awaiting Appointment of a Regular CMD
BSNL has been functioning under an additional-charge arrangement since July 2024, when A. Robert J. Ravi was entrusted with the responsibility following the completion of P. K. Purwar’s tenure.
Ravi has received successive extensions while the government continued the process of selecting a full-time CMD. His additional charge was recently extended by three months until January 15, 2027.
The reported finalisation of Chhabra’s name has raised expectations that BSNL may soon have a regular CMD, subject to the completion of the approval process.
The appointment comes at an important time for the company as it continues its 4G rollout, strengthens its telecom network infrastructure and works to improve its position in India’s competitive telecom market.
About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a government-owned telecommunications service provider under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. It provides mobile, broadband, landline and other telecom services across India. The company is currently focused on expanding its 4G network, upgrading its infrastructure and strengthening connectivity for customers across the country.
Read also: IGL and BSNL Sign MoU to Provide Domestic PNG Connections to Staff Quarters in Karnal
