Press Releases 2019

17th December, 2019
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) in collaboration with GIZ, Germany (A German public benefit federal enterprise) organized a national seminar on Climate Change. The seminar was inaugurated and addressed by Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Other key speakers in the inaugural session included Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE, Dr. Julie Reviere, Country Director, GIZ India, Mr. Kelvin Sergeant, Senior Specialist, ILO, and Mr. Ashutosh Vasant, Director (POM), RAILTEL. This comes at a time when the Indian Government is poised to play a leading role in mitigating global climate change crisis.

The Seminar saw a host of sessions on understanding Indian Climate Change Policy & International negotiations; low carbon growth and decarbonization of key sectors; carbon pricing and carbon finance among many other interesting topics. PSEs are adapting to new ways of business in the changing ecological balance of the world, adapting new technologies to not only ensure it's sustainability but also act as a role model for society to deal with climate change and saving planet earth for future generations.

11th December, 2019
A joint declaration for Promotion & Expansion of apprenticeship in Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) was signed and exchanged between Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) and Ms. Sunita Sanghi, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in the presence of Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Minister, MSDE; Mr. R. K. Singh, Minister of State, MSDE & MoS (I/c), Ministry of Power; Dr. K.P. Krishnan, Secretary, MSDE and Mr. Sailesh, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). The joint declaration took place at a National Seminar held to spread awareness and participation in apprenticeship programme organized by MSDE in collaboration with SCOPE and DPE.

The aim of the declaration is to sensitize the benefits of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) amongst PSEs for active participation and engagement of apprentices. SCOPE and MSDE shall work together toward maximizing the benefit of apprenticeship and also help DPE in creating a database in this regard. The seminar was attended by a large number of senior government officials and delegates from PSEs.

December 6, 2019
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), Mr. Sudhir Bhargava interacted with the Chief and Senior Executives of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) on range of issues pertaining to recent provisions of the RTI Act and concerns in implementing the amended RTI Act. In his address to PSEs, CIC said that RTI is at the heart of Indian democracy and it facilitates people’s participation in governance. Director General, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), Mr. Atul Sobti also addressed the gathering. While appreciating the act as the most progressive legislation, Mr. Sobti pointed out that PSEs need a level playing field in the current volatile business environment.

Director (HR), NTPC and Member, SCOPE Executive Board, Mr. Saptarshi Roy; also presented his views on RTI Act. The interaction was organized by SCOPE which saw the presence of a large number of representations from 43 PSEs.

December 3, 2019
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) in association with The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) organized an Interactive Program on “Recent Changes under the Companies Act 2013”. Mr. Ranjeet Pandey, President, ICSI, Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE and Mr. S. Sakthimani, Director (Finance), CCI addressed the inaugural session. The session was attended by a large number of senior executives from over 50 public sector enterprises from across the country.

Mr. Ranjeet Pandey, President, ICSI discussed the way process for good corporate governance in PSEs. He focused on the usage of artificial intelligence in the compliance management as well as compliance monitoring.

Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE mentioned that the new Companies Act makes the corporate model citizens of the country with equal importance to ‘good’ profit and governance. He outlined that amendments in the Companies Act attempts to strike a balance between ease of doing business and corporate governance.

Mr. S. Sakthimani, Director (Fin), CCI emphasized on rules and regulations relating to Companies Amendment Act, 2019 including independent directors.

11th November 2019
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organized a national workshop on ‘Succession Planning for Board Level Positions’ in Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs). Chairman, Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Mr. K D Tripathi inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Mr. M.K. Gupta, Member, PESB and Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE. The workshop was organized to develop an appreciation of the Challenges and Opportunities inherent in the Board level appointments in Public Sector in a Globally Competitive & Complex Environment and enhancing understanding of the selection framework for Board Level positions.

Chairman, PESB while inaugurating the program said that the board is the most important part of an organization in order to meet its goal and objectives. Mr. Gupta while addressing the workshop said that integrity and over all competency are key for succession planning. Talking about future readiness, Mr. Sobti said that leadership readiness is the most important aspect of it.

The two-day workshop was addressed by eminent speakers and attended by senior level executives of PSEs.

29th October 2019
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) in order to promote health awareness about prostate cancer amongst the employees of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), invited renowned oncologist, Padma Shri Dr. P. K. Julka at its headquarters. Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE welcomed Dr. Julka. Dr. Julka explained the cause, prevention and cure of Prostate Cancer with Public Sector employees.

29th October 2019
An MoU was signed between Shri Atul Sobti, Director General, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) and Dr. Julie Reviere, Country Director (India), GIZ, a federal enterprise of the German Government, to work on climate change, carbon markets, Sustainable Development Goals and climate finance.

The objectives of MoU seeks to align Public Sector Enterprises with the national mission of environment protection and enhance their capacities in various areas and approaches related to climate change including identifying alternatives for Single use Plastic. The MoU also seeks to explore possibilities of working with other Asian countries to exchange best practices and promote the cause of greener environment.

14th October 2019
Director General, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), Mr. Atul Sobti welcomed Mr. Roberto Saurez Santos, the Secretary General of International Organization of Employers (IOE), Geneva at SCOPE Headquarters. IOE is the representative of global employers in ILO, across the UN, G20 and other emerging forums advocating in the areas of business in social and employment policy. During the meeting, which was attended by senior representatives from Public Sector Enterprises, fruitful discussions were held on various employment and policy issues. SCOPE and IOE have mutually agreed to work in future on areas of common interests.

2nd October 2019
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi. On this occasion, Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and also planted saplings at SCOPE Headquarters.

25th September, 2019
Hon’ble Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal was welcomed by Shri Atul Sobti, Director General, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) during his visit to SCOPE’s headquarters at SCOPE Complex, New Delhi. Shri Sobti apprised him about SCOPE’s activities, recent initiatives taken by it and the future plans.

The Hon’ble Minister was appreciative of the new initiatives being taken by SCOPE and advised SCOPE to play an active role in promoting the agenda of nation building and explore new areas of capacity building through corporate governance, environment protection, areas of social upliftment, Research & Development etc.

20th September 2019
SCOPE welcomes the announcement by Finance Minister to boost the Indian economy through various measures including reduction of Corporate tax rate and expanding list of CSR activities. Recent past has seen a series of progressive measures by government to ring positivity in the economy. SCOPE, the apex body of public sector enterprises, believes that the measure announced by the Government in terms of reduction in corporate tax rate is also likely to encourage investments in Make in India particularly in the manufacturing sector. This would lead to increased economic activity thereby creating employment opportunities.

Further, SCOPE appreciates the significant move of the Government to expand list of CSR activities to include incubation centres funded by various agencies/ governments including Public Sector Undertaking and also include contributions to public funded educational institutions like IITs, Universities etc. This is in line with the thrust of the Government towards innovation, research and development.

18th September, 2019
IIT Madras Research Park
Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, SCOPE and CMD, NLC India Ltd. addressed the Technology Conclave: Vision New India 2022 on the theme Development for all through Technology organised by IIT Madras. Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon'ble MoS, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises inaugurated the conclave in the presence of Dr. Madhukar Gupta, Additional Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, Government of India and the IIT, Madras faculty.

Chairman, SCOPE asserted the need for Industry and Academia to come together to bridge the skill gap of the talent and talent required by the industry. He pointed out that the ambitious plan of creating a new India through “Strategy for New India @ 75” could only be achieved if the younger generation is equipped with the necessary skills required in the current volatile market environment.

The Chief Executives from various Public Sector Enterprises and other organizations also participated in varied panel discussions like role of CSR in technology, leveraging CSR funding for nation building etc.

16th September 2019
In a major women empowerment initiative, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) in association with the International Labour Organization (ILO) launched ‘Network of Champions’. Mr Atul Sobti, Director General SCOPE along with Ms. Dagmar Walter, Director-India, ILO awarded Certificates to twelve Champions from various sectors of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) thereby entrusting them with the responsibility of being ‘change agents’ to encourage gender diversity and address gender issues in their respective organizations.

While addressing the participants, DG SCOPE raised concerns over reduction in proportionate employment of women in PSEs and said that this issue can be resolved by key aspects of ‘Attract, Retain and Engage’. He said that organizations need to change their mindset and utilize woman’s capability of team dynamism and multitask to the benefit of the organization and society at large. He opined that need of the hour is to strategise towards effective engagement of women at the work place thereby encouraging them to be efficiently employed. He reiterated that policies such as flexible working hours, matching job profile with requirement and aspirations of the women employees etc. would encourage women to effectively contribute to the organization. He concluded by saying that organizations need women more than women need organizations.

The program perspective and preview was given by Mr. Ravi Peiris, Senior Specialist Employers’ Activities and Dr. Malika Basu, Consultant of ILO. The event was attended by senior officials and employees of PSEs, SCOPE and ILO.

SCOPE Academy of Public Sector Enterprises (APSE) has commenced the 9th Executive Development Program at SCOPE Minar, New Delhi. Shri Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE inaugurated the program in the presence of Shri Ashok Bhat, Director, Mindshare HR Consultancy. Participants from 17 public sector enterprises are attending the program.

Shri Sobti in his inaugural address stressed upon the need to prepare executives for the volatile and disruptive market environment. He also spoke on various management skills and traits that are required to excel in one’s professional career. DG, SCOPE opined that hard work, constant learning, thinking out of the box and behavioural aspect are four key parameters to become an asset for the organisation.

SCOPE APSE has been conducting several Executive Development Programs. It has been set up to serve as a central institution to address the training needs of member PSEs.

22nd August 2019, New Delhi
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) in collaboration with IIM Calcutta organized Advanced Global Leadership Program (AGLP) for top level executives of public sector enterprises. Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE inaugurated the program which was also addressed by Dr. Saugata Ray of IIM Calcutta. The program is being attended by senior level executives from thirteen organizations such as NTPC, Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, NMDC, REC, Oil India etc.

Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE in his address said that AGLP is a flagship program of SCOPE which has been creating global leaders in public sector enterprises. The Program aimed at capacity building of leaders at strategic level who are responsible for accelerating industrial growth of CPSEs in a globally fast changing business environment.

Mr. Sobti said there are challenges confronting the CPSEs today and we must proactively address them in order to keep our CPSEs competitive and in sound health. He urged CPSEs to identify strategic opportunities and risks, and steer the strategy execution process with focus on discipline and effectiveness.

SCOPE welcomes the measures that the Finance Minister has announced to boost the Indian economy. SCOPE, the apex body of public sector enterprises, is appreciative of the receptive outlook of the government as the announcement has addressed issues of most strained sectors including financial and manufacturing while keeping in its offering slew of benefits for individual and investors. The pronounced measures have attempted to strike a balance between investment and consumption which would push the economic growth further.

The government has reiterated its focus on infrastructure growth, increasing foreign investment etc. and combined it with increased consumer spending by announcing passing of rate cuts to consumers, simplification of loans etc., indicating to an ascend in GDP numbers.

Along with the banking sector the MSMEs have also received slew of fiscal stimulus in terms of fixed duration GST refunds, procedural one time settlement of loans, online tracking of loans etc. indicating a strong move towards strengthening the manufacturing sector in line with Government’s mission of Make in India.

SCOPE has approved the appointment of Shri Atul Sobti, new Director General, SCOPE. The appointment has been made based on the Selection Committee recommendation.

Shri Atul Sobti has recently superannuated as CMD, BHEL.

SCOPE organized the SCOPE Corporate Communication Summit 2019 on the theme Corporate Communication in the Age of Disruptions – Innovative Solutions” here today. Mr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Hon’ble Minister of State for Steel inaugurated the SCOPE CC Summit in the presence of Mr. Sunil Kumar, CMD, MTNL & Member of SCOPE Executive Board, Mr. Satyendra Prakash, DG, BOC (DAVP), Dr. K.G. Suresh, former DG, IIMC, Mr. Ajit Kumar Jha, Editor, India Today Group, Ms. Sumita Dutta, ED (CA), SAIL, Mr. P.K. Sinha, Summit Director, SCOPE and other dignitaries. The Summit provided an opportunity to PSU Corp.Comm executives to understand transformation and seize the opportunity in to bring in innovative solutions to their communication plans.

While inaugurating the SCOPE CC Summit, Mr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Hon’ble Minister of State for Steel said Corporate communication executives of public enterprises have to play a key role to change itself with the changing times. It places significance on analysis of where we stand today in terms of competition and how we need to mould ourselves so as to achieve our vision and goal. He highly appreciated the public sector enterprises for making significant contribution in the nation building. He further stressed that we need to analyse that in the current global competitive environment, how can we further enhance its performance to strengthen our economy.

Hon’ble Minister said the country has outlined ambitious goals to reach to greater heights and to fulfil the same, we need to make constant efforts, work together and need to connect with the common man.

Mr. Sunil Kumar, CMD, MTNL and Executive Board Member of SCOPE said that our perception amongst stakeholders is important and corporate communication gives an opportunity to put the perception in right perspective. Public sector is performing very well but we are not able to project in right manner. He said that customers, employees, owners and partners are important stakeholders and corporate communication needs to have proper system in place for proper communication.

Mr. Aman Agarwal, Director IIF in his address advised to embrace disruption and learn to live with it to be more empowered. Today is world of information and how to engulf information to make right decision making is the need of hour.

Dr. Sharad Kohli,Founder Chairman, KCC Group highlighted the four factors which lead to disruption which are consolidation, using outdated technology, not being receptive to consumer feedback and not investing in research. In this context, he gave successful notable examples of Wikipedia, LED etc.

Dr. K.G. Suresh, Emeritus Professor, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication and Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, Former DG, IIMC said that in the age of disruption, internet and social media, there is need to be constantly vigilant otherwise it may tarnish the reputation of the company. In fact, this is not the age of information, rather it is the age of conversation. Hence, there is a need of dialogue and engagement with your stakeholders.

Mr. Ajit Kumar Jha, Editor, India Today Group said that all disruptions today are led by globalization. Two foremost challenges we face are online media and automation in the labour market and how we respond to these is important. He advised to invest in educating people and enhance penetration of digital platform.

Mr. Satyendra Prakash, DG, BOC (ADVP), Government of India said as a corporate communication professional said how to build your brand. He appreciated the contribution of PSEs to the nation.

Mr. P.K. Sinha, Summit Director gave the overview of the programme and how the vision with which this theme of Summit was decided. He informed that PSEs have contributed significantly so far and disruptions of technology and media landscape will lead to next level of growth. Ms. Sumita Dutta, ED (Corporate Affairs), SAIL and Chairperson, Summit Steering Committee proposed vote of thanks.