In a significant development, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is considering appointing its chief from outside the organization. Until now, only CPWD engineers were eligible for the post of director general (DG). The housing and urban affairs ministry has introduced draft notification for proposed changes in recruitment rules to allow civil engineers from different services to apply for the position.
The move is seen as an opportunity to induct talent from outside the organization. As per the proposal, a selection committee will be formed to assess and interview the applicants. The committee will comprise the CEO of Niti Aayog, secretaries from the personnel department and housing ministry, and an expert nominated by the housing minister.
The selected candidates will be considered by the appointments committee of the cabinet, which is headed by the prime minister. The committee will review the panel of applicants to choose the most suitable candidate for the role of DG of CPWD.
According to the draft notification, civil engineers from various services, including Border Roads Engineering, Indian Skill Development, GSI Engineering, Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and Central Architectural Services, can apply for the position. The applicant must be below 58 years of age at the time of submitting the application. The successful candidate will serve as the DG for a period of two years, which can be extended.
CPWD is responsible for the execution of major projects, such as government office and residential buildings, road construction, and fencing along the borders. The organization is currently overseeing the Central Vista revamp project. Data from the CPWD website reveals that the organization had received work orders worth Rs 18,418 crore in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
This potential leadership shake-up in CPWD signifies a shift towards welcoming external candidates and aims to bring in specialized talent from a wide range of engineering services. It also demonstrates a desire for broader expertise and fresh perspectives in the organization’s leadership.
