Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) is strengthening its board with the appointment of Molleti Ganapathi Rao as a Non-Official Independent Director, effective August 19, 2026. The move comes after a formal approval from the Ministry of Coal for a three-year term, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, reinforcing CMPDIL’s commitment to robust governance and independent oversight.
Molleti Ganapathi Rao is described as a seasoned public administrator and retired Senior Grade Deputy Collector who spent the bulk of his career in the Revenue Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. His professional journey spans public administration, revenue administration, land administration and resource management, complemented by early technical work as a geophysicist involved in geophysical surveys and groundwater targeting. He holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry from Andhra University (1982) and an M.Sc. (Tech.) in Geophysics from Andhra University (1985).
Rao’s appointment brings an independent, governance-focused perspective to CMPDIL’s board. Not related to any other director and not debarred from holding directorships, he offers a unique blend of public-sector governance experience and technical know-how. This combination is anticipated to enrich board discussions on mine planning, resource management and strategic oversight as CMPDIL navigates the evolving landscape of India’s coal and mineral sectors.
The appointment signals CMPDIL’s continued emphasis on governance best practices and leadership that bridges public administration with sector-specific technical insight. As the institute charts its path in complex resource development, Rao’s public administration background and geophysical expertise are poised to contribute to informed decision-making and strategic direction for CMPDIL.