Pradhan unhappy at IGL failure on CNG targets
Narendra Kumar has won an extension to his three-year term as managing director of Delhi-based gas retailer Indraprastha gas but it's unclear for how long.
IGL insiders tell this report Kumar has earned the displeasure of oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan after failing to meet this year's CNG station construction targets. During a 'progress review' meeting in Delhi on April 5 it seems Pradhan was shocked to learn only 36 CNG stations had been set up by IGL in the year ending March 31, 2016.
"In January Pradhan ordered IGL to set up CNG dispensing facilities at 104 (established) petrol pumps of IOC, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum by March 31, 2016," reports a source, present at the meeting. "This project is part of the government's efforts to reduce Delhi pollution." Pradhan was chairing the meeting ahead of a ceremony to formally inaugurate the new CNG stations on April 7.
But when he learned the target had been missed he glanced angrily at Kumar and criticised him for not being "interested" in serving Delhi's citizens. This can't have been pleasant for Kumar, 57, a GAIL officer on deputation to IGL.
On April 18 GAIL told the BSE that Kumar's term had been extended until further notice. Kumar tells this report he does not know if the extension is until retirement or a stop-gap arrangement.
