IAS Officer Shilpa Shinde Appointed CMD of WAPCOS to Drive Reforms and Boost Efficiency in Jal Shakti Projects — First Direct CMD Appointment by ACC
In a landmark move to strengthen governance and enhance efficiency in a key public sector undertaking, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Shilpa Sachin Shinde, a 2006-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, as the new Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of WAPCOS Limited for a five-year tenure.
This decision marks the first-ever direct CMD appointment by the ACC, bypassing the traditional selection route through the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). The shift reflects the government’s determination to fast-track leadership placements in strategically important sectors and accelerate governance reforms.
Historic Appointment Process
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, which oversees WAPCOS, is understood to have recommended this direct appointment to the ACC, emphasizing the urgency of installing capable leadership. The move comes in the wake of the removal of Rajni Kant Agrawal as CMD on September 3, 2025, by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, who invoked his special administrative powers.
Following Agrawal’s exit, Pankaj Kapoor, Director (Finance), was given additional charge as CMD. Kapoor, however, is set to retire on September 28, 2025, necessitating a permanent leadership transition.
WAPCOS at a Turning Point
WAPCOS Limited, a central PSU under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has faced a series of allegations of irregularities under the previous leadership. These included non-payment of employee benefits, project delays, irregular vendor settlements, and GST compliance issues.
Against this backdrop, Ms. Shinde’s appointment signals a clear mandate to restore accountability, strengthen internal systems, and accelerate the execution of critical water and power infrastructure projects.
Leadership to Drive Reform and Delivery
With WAPCOS positioned as a crucial agency in water resource management, power projects, and allied infrastructure sectors, Ms. Shinde’s leadership is expected to inject new energy into the organization. Her extensive administrative experience will be key to streamlining operations, expediting project delivery, and rebuilding employee morale.
Her five-year tenure provides a stable framework to introduce structural reforms and align WAPCOS more closely with the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s national development vision.
About WAPCOS Limited
WAPCOS Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, provides consultancy and engineering services in the fields of water resources, power, and infrastructure development. Known for executing major projects in India and abroad, WAPCOS remains a vital player in advancing the nation’s infrastructure priorities.
