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 â€˜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.