CII DG appointment ruffles feathers

The appointment of SS Mehta, a retired Lieutenant General, as director-general of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) seems to have caught several stake holders unawares. After all, Mehta joined CII only two years ago.

In contrast, N Srinivasan, the man Mehta is replacing, was like a life member at CII. As was Tarun Das, the current chief mentor of CII, who served as director general from 1981 to 2004 while Srinivasan lasted only two years in the post.

"We want to reorganise the association in such a manner that conceptual inputs are reconciled with execution," CII president R Seshasayee told Business Standard.

Srinivasan will be looking after conceptual inputs. He will be based in Bangalore and will work with the CII president in monitoring the progress of new initiatives and advising course changes.

Meanwhile, Mehta will take care of execution. He has been associated with CII in the areas of information technology, broadband and telecommunications as well as in the skills development programme.

The new director-general, who spent over 40 years with the Indian army, is perceived to be an astute administrator. The changes will be effective from May 11.