In a surprising turn of events, Navneet Kumar Sehgal, a retired IAS officer of the 1988 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has abruptly resigned from his position as Chairman of Prasar Bharati. The resignation, submitted on December 2, 2025, was immediately accepted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Section 7(6) of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990.
Sehgal's tenure, which began in March 2024, was initially slated to last for three years or until he reached the age of 70, but he served for only a year and eight months. This sudden departure has sparked considerable speculation within media circles and the upper echelons of the government.
While the government has not released an official explanation for Sehgal's resignation, sources suggest that he may have been advised to step down. Some reports indicate that the seasoned bureaucrat was "asked to step aside," though this remains unconfirmed by the Centre. Insiders suggest that disagreements over administrative approaches or high-level decisions might have played a role, especially considering Prasar Bharati has been undergoing structural reforms, digital changes, and internal policy shifts.
Navneet Kumar Sehgal's career has been marked by his long and influential presence in Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy. Before being appointed as Chairman of Prasar Bharati on March 16, 2024, he superannuated from Civil Services in July 2023 as Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Sehgal held significant positions across different administrations, including serving as secretary to Mayawati and as Principal Secretary of Information in Yogi Adityanath's government. His reputation as a favorite officer across various governments, including BSP, SP, and BJP, highlights his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. There had been speculation about his potential entry into politics following his retirement.
The early exit of Sehgal has once again left the top leadership post at the public broadcaster vacant. Prasar Bharati, India's largest public broadcaster, encompasses Doordarshan and All India Radio. The organization plays a crucial role in disseminating information and entertainment to a vast audience across the country. Sehgal's appointment in March 2024 filled a vacancy that had persisted for four years.
This is not the first time the Prasar Bharati chairmanship has been subject to abrupt changes. In 2009, Chairman Arun Bhatnagar resigned due to dissatisfaction with the functioning of the board, highlighting the challenges and complexities inherent in leading the organization.
The circumstances surrounding Navneet Kumar Sehgal's resignation continue to be a topic of discussion, with many questioning the factors that led to his premature departure. The government is yet to announce a successor, and the future direction of Prasar Bharati remains uncertain in the wake of this sudden leadership change.
