New Delhi : India’s state-run energy major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has formally bid farewell to Rajan Asthana, Executive Director and Chief Employee Relations, on his retirement following more than 30 years of distinguished service with the organization.
A Career Spanning Three Decades
An MBA by training, Asthana joined ONGC in 1989 and went on to build a long and impactful career across several of the company’s key operational and corporate centers, including Nazira, Vadodara, Hazira, Dehradun, and New Delhi.
Throughout his tenure, he handled a wide range of responsibilities central to ONGC’s workforce management and organizational development, including:
- Human Resources and industrial relations
- Recruitment, promotions, and contract management
- Corporate HR strategy and policy formulation
- Employee engagement and organizational development
His work consistently focused on aligning workforce policies with the company’s long-term strategic goals.
Leadership in Human Resources and Employee Relations
Over the years, Asthana held several critical leadership roles that helped shape ONGC’s people-first culture. These included:
- Head of HR and Employee Relations at Hazira
- Head of Corporate Recruitment & Promotion
- Chief Human Resource Development (HRD)
- Chief Employee Relations
In these roles, he played a key part in strengthening communication channels between management and employees, fostering trust, and maintaining industrial harmony across one of India’s largest public sector enterprises.
Colleagues and peers widely credit him with promoting a balanced and empathetic approach to workforce management, particularly in navigating complex industrial relations challenges.
Contributions Beyond Core HR Functions
In addition to his HR leadership, Asthana also took on additional responsibilities as Chief Security. In this capacity, he contributed to improving coordination and operational efficiency by working closely with agencies such as the state police, the Coast Guard, and the Navy.
His ability to apply a people-centric approach even in security and administrative functions further underscored his versatility as a leader.
A Lasting Institutional Impact
As he steps down, Asthana leaves behind a legacy defined by stability, inclusiveness, and organizational cohesion. His contributions to ONGC’s HR frameworks and employee relations systems are expected to have a lasting influence on the company’s internal culture and governance practices.
The farewell marks the end of an era for ONGC’s HR leadership, with the organization acknowledging his role in shaping a more collaborative and resilient workplace over the past three decades.
