The Hindu Business Line : NHAI board recast plan okayed

In order to equip the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to handle the public private partnership (PPP) projects in a better manner, the Cabinet has approved a board restructuring plan allowing for appointment of larger number of board members, part-time members and chief general managers. These additional posts would bring in expertise in PPP projects, legal, safety and contract management, amongst others. “The chairman will be selected by a search committe e and will be appointed for a minimum period of three years, which can be extended up to five years,” the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr P.R. Dasmunsi, told reporters after a Cabinet meeting here. The age limit for the chairman, could be relaxed up to 62 years if required for three-year tenure. The NHAI would also have six full time members (against five at present) — one each for finance, administration, public private partnership (PPP), two Members (Project) and one Member (Technical). There would six part-time members as against four now.

— Our Bureau