BENGALURU: THE Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) is hoping to fill the crucial post of the Director of Finance shortly, which is lying vacant for the last one-and-a-half years now.
Two recruitment notices about the vacancy were released in December 2015 and January 2016. In May 2016, letters were also sent to different heads of the government asking them to send suitable candidates for deputation. However, no applicant has fit the bill yet.
BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola continues to hold additional charge of the post after the previous director Navin Kumar retired in February 2016. The Finance Director is also one of the members of the Board of Directors of BMRCL.
“The post assumes significance due to the high cost of the projects: `13,845 crore for Phase-I and `26,405 crore for Phase-II. All project-related financial planning is carried out by the Director,” a top official said.
“As a significant chunk of the total money is mobilised through funding institutions, co-ordinating with international agencies is one of the roles that has to be carried out by the person occupying the post,” he added.
The overall supervision of the finance and accounts of Metro vests with the Director thereby making the occupant the final authority on the company’s balance sheet. “We have three general managers assisting the MD presently. No project of Metro has been delayed because the post is still empty. However, this cannot be a permanent arrangement as the role has too many financial responsibilities,” another official said.
Asked about the reason for the delay, Kharola said, “We need a highly experienced and qualified person from the government or the public sector along with some experience in project management.”
“A few of them have been sent by the government departments following our request for their deputation. The post will be filled up shortly,” he added.
The profile sought for includes the following
Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or Institute of Costs and Works Accounts of India or an MBA with specialisation in Finance from reputed management institutes.
The candidate needs to be between 50 and 58 years at the time of appointment for this office, which is contracted for three years.