Why Navneet Kumar Sehgal Quit as Prasar Bharati Chairman: Full Profile, Sudden Resignation, Career Timeline, and What Happens Next
In an unexpected move, former IAS officer Navneet Kumar Sehgal has stepped down from the post of Prasar Bharati Chairman, cutting short his term far earlier than anyone had anticipated. His resignation — submitted on December 2, 2025 and was immediately accepted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Section 7(6) of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990. This legal provision allows the government to relieve the Chairman before the completion of his term under specific circumstances.
Sehgal’s appointment was originally meant to last three years or until he turned 70, whichever came earlier. Yet, he remained in office for only 1 year and 8 months, leaving many observers wondering what led to such an abrupt departure.
No Clear Explanation, But Strong Rumours of Pressure
The government has not issued any official explanation for why Sehgal chose to resign so suddenly. However, people familiar with internal developments suggest that he may have been informally advised to leave the position. Reports indicate that the seasoned bureaucrat from the 1988 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre was “asked to step aside,” though there is no formal confirmation from the Centre.
His exit has triggered intense discussions within media circles, as Prasar Bharati—India’s largest public broadcaster—has been undergoing structural reforms, digital changes, and internal policy shifts. Some insiders believe that differences in administrative approach or disagreements over high-level decisions might have contributed to the situation.
Sehgal reportedly tendered his resignation earlier in the day, and the government accepted it without delay. His sudden exit once again leaves the top leadership post at the broadcaster unoccupied.
A Vacancy That Was Filled After Four Years Is Empty Again
When Sehgal was appointed on March 16, 2024, the role of Chairman had been empty for more than four years, ever since A. Surya Prakash completed his term in February 2020. His appointment was seen as an attempt to bring strong administrative leadership back to the organisation.
Now, with his resignation, Prasar Bharati has returned to a phase of uncertainty. The government is expected to begin consultations soon to identify the next Chairman, but no interim arrangement has yet been announced.
Who Is Navneet Kumar Sehgal?
A Bureaucrat Known for Influence, Strategy, and Multi-Government Trust
Navneet Kumar Sehgal is widely regarded as one of the most prominent and influential IAS officers of Uttar Pradesh. Over a career spanning more than three and a half decades, he earned a reputation for being a crisis-manager, an effective administrator, and a strategist who could work with political leaders across party lines.
What sets Sehgal apart is the fact that he was entrusted with crucial responsibilities under three different political regimes in Uttar Pradesh — the BSP, SP, and BJP governments. He worked in the core teams of Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, and Yogi Adityanath, which is extremely rare for any bureaucrat.
Early Life, Family, and Education
Born in Faridkot, Punjab, in 1963. Grew up and studied in Ambala and Bhiwani.
Completed B.Com at the age of 19, showcasing strong academic capabilities at a young age. Qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 1986 and a Company Secretary (CS) in 1987.
Worked briefly in the financial field before attempting the civil services exam. Joined the IAS in 1988, allotted to the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
His academic grounding in finance and corporate governance later played a major role in the large infrastructure and industry projects he handled.
Career Achievements and Major Contributions
Leader of Landmark Infrastructure Projects
As Chairman & CEO of UPEIDA, he supervised the construction of the Agra–Lucknow Expressway, a 302-km high-speed corridor completed in just 22 months — a record for a project of that scale in India.
He was also closely involved in planning the Purvanchal Expressway, which later became one of Uttar Pradesh’s key connectivity corridors.
Tourism Development
As Principal Secretary, Tourism, he negotiated a significant World Bank loan to boost tourism and pushed for large-scale exhibition events, heritage projects, and improvement of key tourist sites across the state.
Growth of MSMEs
As Principal Secretary, MSME, Sehgal helped conceptualize and roll out the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme — now one of the most successful state-level MSME programs in the country.
Media, Communications, and Political Strategy
Served more than 15 years in Information & Public Relations (I&PR), becoming a key communication strategist for the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh across multiple governments.
Power and Urban Development Reforms
As Energy Secretary, he supervised North India’s first privatization of power distribution in Agra and was involved in planning nearly 30,000 MW of new power capacity.
Contributed to major PPP urban projects, including planning for the Lucknow Metro and the JICA-funded water supply pipeline to Agra.
Sehgal retired from government service in July 2023 as Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
He was appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati in March 2024, marking his transition to a national-level leadership role.
What Happens Next for Prasar Bharati?
His exit once again leaves Prasar Bharati without a permanent head, raising significant concerns at a time when the broadcaster is working on:
A long-term digital transition strategy
Modernization of Doordarshan and All India Radio
Revamping content and expanding global distribution
Administrative restructuring and cost reforms
Expanding regional outreach through new channels
No interim Chairman has been named yet, and the formal process to appoint the next chief is expected to begin soon.
