Backdrop & Context
The Public Enterprises Selection Board convened Meeting No 28/2025 on April 19, 2025, at 9:30 AM to select a new Director In-charge for the Bhilai Steel Plant. As India modernizes its core industries, key leadership roles in PSUs like SAIL play a pivotal role in advancing strategic output & industrial efficiency. The Bhilai unit, known for its critical contribution to India's rail infrastructure and steel production, demanded a leader with vast technical & managerial expertise.
Who’s Involved?
The selection process was under the purview of the Ministry of Steel and overseen by PESB. A total of 12 high-ranking officials from SAIL, NMDC Steel Limited, and MECON Limited were interviewed. Shri Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra, currently the Executive Director (Works) at Bokaro Steel Plant, emerged as the top contender among the shortlisted applicants.
A Constellation of Contenders
Here is the complete list of candidates who were interviewed for the post of Director In-charge, Bhilai Steel Plant, Steel Authority of India Limited, as per Minute No. 1 of the PESB Meeting No. 28/2025 held on 19-04-2025 at 09:30 AM:
🧾 List of Interviewed Candidates:
1. Shri S. Subbaraj
Executive Director, Alloy Steels Plant, Durgapur
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
2. Shri Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra
Executive Director (Works), Bokaro Steel Plant
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
3. Shri Diptendu Ghosh
Executive Director (Works), IISCO Steel Plant
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
4. Shri Prasanna Kumar Rath
Executive Director, SAIL Refractory Unit
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
5. Shri Surajit Mishra
Executive Director (Projects), IISCO Steel Plant
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
6. Shri Sandip Kumar Kar
Executive Director (RDCIS), E-9
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
7. Shri Bipin Kumar Giri
Executive Director (Mines)
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
8. Shri Prabir Kumar Sarkar
Executive Director, Salem Steel Plant
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
9. Shri Palai Biswaranjan
Executive Director (Works), Rourkela Steel Plant
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
10. Shri Ramesh Kumar Shetty Bannadi
Chief General Manager, NMDC Steel Limited, Nagarnar, Bastar
NMDC Limited
11. Shri Ashok Kumar Mishra
Chief General Manager
NMDC Steel Limited
12. Shri Brajesh Kumar Sinha
General Manager (C&C), Coke Oven Section & Incharge Refractories, Ranchi
MECON Limited
Burnpur selection meeting as well?
The candidates shortlisted for the position reflect SAIL’s expansive talent reservoir. Some notable names included Shri S. Subbaraj (ED, Alloy Steels Plant, Durgapur), Shri Diptendu Ghosh (ED, IISCO), Shri Sandip Kumar Kar (ED, RDCIS), and Shri Ramesh Kumar Shetty Bannadi (CGM, NMDC Steel). The panel meticulously evaluated experience in plant operations, project execution, and strategic oversight.
The Man of the Hour: Shri C.R. Mohapatra
Shri Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra brings decades of experience to the table. As the Executive Director (Works) at Bokaro, he has been instrumental in streamlining operations and delivering on capacity expansions. His proven leadership in navigating complex industrial ecosystems stood out during the interviews. PESB highlighted his vision and operational dexterity as critical factors in the recommendation.
The Role & Responsibilities Ahead
As Director In-charge of Bhilai Steel Plant, Shri Mohapatra will shoulder responsibilities ranging from plant productivity & infrastructure modernization to safety compliance & human resource optimization. The Bhilai unit, being a cornerstone of SAIL’s operations, calls for agile decision-making and an adept balance between policy alignment and on-ground execution.
Key Takeaways:
• PESB recommended Shri Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra as Director In-charge, Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL.
• The meeting was held on April 19, 2025, involving 12 senior applicants from SAIL, NMDC, and MECON.
• Mohapatra currently serves as Executive Director (Works), Bokaro Steel Plant.
• Candidates from Alloy Steel Plant, IISCO, RDCIS, and NMDC were also interviewed.
• The decision aligns with India’s industrial modernization & PSU leadership revamp.
• Another key appointment on the same day was Shri Surajit Mishra for Burnpur and Durgapur units.
