PM Modi makes an exception for Air India chairman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gave Air India chairman Rohit Nandan an extension till August next year, withdrawing its earlier stipulation that the process to appoint Nandan’s replacement be completed till next month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gave Air India chairman Rohit Nandan an extension till August next year, withdrawing its earlier stipulation that the process to appoint Nandan’s replacement be completed till next month.

A 1982 batch IAS officer, Nandan had been appointed Air India chairman and managing director by the UPA government on a three-year term and was slated to step down on 12 August.

He is the first chairman after the Air India-Indian Airlines merger in 2007 to have completed three years, something his four predecessors could not manage.

In August, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet had rejected civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s request for a two-year extension to Nandan in light of his performance.

Instead, the ACC — which comprises Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh — had given Nandan a three-month extension that was to end in November and told the ministry to select his replacement within this period.

On Monday, however, the panel agreed to civil aviation minister’s request for Nandan’s continuation.