If some well-placed sources are to believed
controversy appears to have surrounded the Standing Conference on Public Enterprise
(SCOPE). The buzz started after the DG post was advertised on 29 August. Power
corridors observed that vacancy of DG post did not mention/indicate the date of
vacancy. The information provided had lack of clarity and left many questions
unanswered. Further, it triggered buzz over the circumstances under
which it failed to organise SCOPE Meritorious Award (in Yr 2018),
presented by President of India, which is an integral part of its
annual ‘Public Sector Week’ celebration. It is not a mere coincidence
that the Executive Committee meeting of SCOPE scheduled for September 14 is
expected to discuss some sensitive issues which have captured the imagination
during last one year. The first and foremost thing which drew attention
was, the advertisement of DG post declared October 01 as cut-off date for age.
The advertisement categorically mentions that the tenure of DG would be for a
period of five years (03 + 02) or till 65 years of age and applicants should
not be more than 62 yrs of age as on 01 October 2018. It may be mentioned that
the outgoing DG himself is completing 70 years of age in June next year. Indianmandarins has reliably learnt that two issues,
DG post and deferment of award function, have close connection. If sources are to be believed, SCOPE has been
asserting its independence so much so that it has been denying adherence to
certain suggestions of DPE, reportedly, pertaining to the tenure of DG and
senior functionaries and standard audit norms etc. In addition to the issues related to advertisement
of DG post, several senior PSU executives are puzzled as what exactly led to the
deferment of this prestigious annual award ceremony. As mentioned above SCOPE ‘Public
Sector Day’ celebration culminates into the ‘Meritorious Award’ presented by
President of India which SCOPE failed to organise this year. If some well
placed sources are to be believed, irked by SCOPE DG’s insistence over
autonomy; DPE abstained to write to the ministry to invite President. Probably,
this led to cancellation of award function. Rest appears to be a case to be
examined. Sources say that
SCOPE management has been showing reluctance towards DPE’s advise on adherence
to standard audit norms and term and tenure of senior functionaries of SCOPE
management which turned out to be contentious. Advertisement of DG
post and deferment of award function appear to have captured the imagination of
public sector executives and people in power corridors.
What remains a fact that SCOPE writes to the Department of Public Enterprise
(DPE), and then, DPE writes to the Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public
Enterprise to invite the President of India on its behalf. As per the protocol,
the President of India entertains the requests of ministries and government
institutions only whereas SCOPE is registered as a society and claims as an
independent body.
Those in the know of the affairs say that while claiming its independence and
autonomy SCOPE management forgets three important aspects. First, despite being
a private entity, registered under societies act, SCOPE depends on the
contribution/subscription of over 350 member PSUs. Second, SCOPE is said to
have been denying DPE’s supervisiory role despite the fact that as per the
‘Allocation of Business Rules of the Government’ DPE is allocated with 12
subjects including “Matters relating to Standing Conference of Public
Enterprises†(Subject No. 09).
If some well-placed sources are to believed
controversy appears to have surrounded the Standing Conference on Public Enterprise
(SCOPE). The buzz started after the DG post was advertised on 29 August. Power
corridors observed that vacancy of DG post did not mention/indicate the date of
vacancy. The information provided had lack of clarity and left many questions
unanswered. Further, it triggered buzz over the circumstances under
which it failed to organise SCOPE Meritorious Award (in Yr 2018),
presented by President of India, which is an integral part of its
annual ‘Public Sector Week’ celebration. It is not a mere coincidence
that the Executive Committee meeting of SCOPE scheduled for September 14 is
expected to discuss some sensitive issues which have captured the imagination
during last one year.
The first and foremost thing which drew attention
was, the advertisement of DG post declared October 01 as cut-off date for age.
The advertisement categorically mentions that the tenure of DG would be for a
period of five years (03 + 02) or till 65 years of age and applicants should
not be more than 62 yrs of age as on 01 October 2018. It may be mentioned that
the outgoing DG himself is completing 70 years of age in June next year.
Indianmandarins has reliably learnt that two issues,
DG post and deferment of award function, have close connection.
What remains a fact that SCOPE writes to the Department of Public Enterprise
(DPE), and then, DPE writes to the Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public
Enterprise to invite the President of India on its behalf. As per the protocol,
the President of India entertains the requests of ministries and government
institutions only whereas SCOPE is registered as a society and claims as an
independent body.
If sources are to be believed, SCOPE has been asserting its independence so much so that it has been denying adherence to certain suggestions of DPE, reportedly, pertaining to the tenure of DG and senior functionaries and standard audit norms etc.
In addition to the issues related to advertisement
of DG post, several senior PSU executives are puzzled as what exactly led to the
deferment of this prestigious annual award ceremony. As mentioned above SCOPE ‘Public
Sector Day’ celebration culminates into the ‘Meritorious Award’ presented by
President of India which SCOPE failed to organise this year.
If some well
placed sources are to be believed, irked by SCOPE DG’s insistence over
autonomy; DPE abstained to write to the ministry to invite President. Probably,
this led to cancellation of award function. Rest appears to be a case to be
examined.
Those in the know of the affairs say that while claiming its independence and
autonomy SCOPE management forgets three important aspects. First, despite being
a private entity, registered under societies act, SCOPE depends on the
contribution/subscription of over 350 member PSUs. Second, SCOPE is said to
have been denying DPE’s supervisiory role despite the fact that as per the
‘Allocation of Business Rules of the Government’ DPE is allocated with 12
subjects including “Matters relating to Standing Conference of Public
Enterprises†(Subject No. 09).
Sources say that SCOPE management has been showing reluctance towards DPE’s advise on adherence to standard audit norms and term and tenure of senior functionaries of SCOPE management which turned out to be contentious.
Advertisement of DG post and deferment of award function appear to have captured the imagination of public sector executives and people in power corridors.