Metros told to appoint independent directors

PUNE: All metros across the country being built and operated with central government equity have been told to promote efficiency while hiring manpower and in procurement by taking necessary measures.
This message was conveyed by Rajiv Gauba, secretary (urban development) during a review of progress of various metro projects and issues related to their functioning.
Issues ranging from appointment of independent directors and chief vigilance officers, standardization of equipment, bulk procurement, fare fixation, performance based promotions, competitive bidding, security etc., were discussed during the two hour long review exercise.
A proposal for appointing a common Regulator for all metro projects for fare fixation was discussed and it was decided that the views of respective states would be appropriately taken into consideration in this regard while taking a decision.
Officials of Metro projects opined that since the losses on account of metro operations were to be borne by respective states under the law, their views need to be factored while considering a common Regulator.
Gauba urged all metro operators to ensure early appointment of Independent Directors on the Boards including at least one woman director as required under the Companies Act, 2013. He also called for early appointment of chief vigilance officers by respective boards in consultation with chief vigilance commissioner.
Stressing on the need for efficiency in project management and metro operations, Gauba suggested ‘Fast Track Promotion’ policy as appropriate for consideration by respective Boards to attract good manpower talent.