Key Highlights
- Ashwani Lohani, ex-Chairman of the Railway Board and former CMD of Air India, has been appointed Director of PMML for a 3‑year term.
- The appointment follows a comprehensive overhaul of PMML’s society and executive council, expanding membership from 29 to 34.
- Lohani’s tenure replaces former power secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai and signals a strategic thrust toward modernizing the museum’s public engagement.
- His diverse experience across tourism, aviation, and railways is expected to infuse innovative operational practices into the heritage institution.
Detailed Insights
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the move on 4 June 2025, granting Lohani a three‑year mandate over the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML). This institution, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, preserves the legacies of India’s prime ministers through exhibitions and digital archives. PMML’s governance structure has recently expanded, adding five new members to its executive council and placing a new Vice President, the Defence Minister, in position. Lohani’s appointment follows the departure of former power secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, ensuring uninterrupted leadership. His background as a former CMD of Air India, Chairman of the Railway Board, and CEO of GMR Group equips him with cross‑sectoral expertise in large public‑sector undertakings. The selection underscores a deliberate push toward institutional modernization, increased visitor engagement, and enhanced credibility across cultural heritage outlets.
Key Concepts
- Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML): An institution under the Ministry of Culture that archives and showcases material related to India’s chief executives.
- Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME): A cadre of engineers responsible for the design, maintenance, and technical management of India’s railway infrastructure.
- Public Sector Undertaking (PSU): A government‑owned corporation that operates in key sectors and is subject to regulatory oversight.
- Executive Council: The highest decision‑making body of PMML, responsible for policy, administration, and resource allocation.
- Institutional Modernization: The process of updating systems, processes, and engagement strategies to meet contemporary standards and public expectations.