In a major leadership shake-up, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has abruptly removed Rajni Kant Agrawal from his position as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of WAPCOS Limited, citing complaints of “irregularities” in the PSU’s functioning.
The decision was communicated through an order dated September 3, 2025, issued by Bhuwan Bhasker Panday, Under Secretary at the Jal Shakti Ministry. The directive stated that Agrawal was “divested of the charge of the post of CMD, WAPCOS Ltd. with immediate effect until further orders.”
Interim CMD Appointed
Following Agrawal’s removal, Pankaj Kapoor, Director (Finance) at WAPCOS, has been assigned additional charge of CMD for three months or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Sources confirmed that Kapoor assumed charge the same evening.
Background and Tenure
Agrawal, who was appointed CMD on October 1, 2021, was serving a five-year tenure that was supposed to run until October 2026. His premature exit indicates serious administrative concerns at the highest level.
This development marks the second consecutive WAPCOS CMD to face scrutiny for alleged misconduct. Agrawal’s predecessor, Rajinder Kumar Gupta, was arrested in 2023 after the CBI seized ₹38 crore in cash from his premises and charged him with possessing disproportionate assets during his tenure (2011–2019)
Nature of Allegations
While the ministry has not disclosed the specific details of the “irregularities,” officials indicated that special powers were invoked by Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil after receiving multiple complaints about Agrawal’s functioning.
WAPCOS’ Role and Impact
WAPCOS Limited (Water and Power Consultancy Services Ltd.), a Mini-Ratna Category-I PSU, operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The company is a critical player in water resources, power, and infrastructure development projects across India and abroad.
Industry experts caution that such leadership disruptions could potentially delay key infrastructure and water management projects unless a permanent CMD is appointed soon. The back-to-back controversies also highlight growing concerns over governance and accountability in PSUs.
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