Bhubaneswar: In a landmark recognition of India’s engineering leadership on the global stage, eminent Odia engineer Ashok Basa has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the newly constituted Internal Audit Committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).
WFEO confirmed the appointment with effect from 28 September 2026, with Basa set to lead the Committee until the end of 2027. This marks the first time that such a committee has been formed within the Federation, making Basa its historic first Chair.
In his appointment letter, WFEO Executive Director Dr Moez Chakchouk emphasised that the decision reflects the Federation’s confidence in Basa’s distinguished leadership, professional standing and commitment to advancing engineering excellence worldwide.
The Committee’s mandate includes reviewing WFEO’s internal control systems, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, safeguarding assets, and verifying the integrity of financial and management information. It will also oversee corrective actions and conduct investigations within its scope.
Basa will work closely with the WFEO Executive Board, Secretariat and member organisations to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and professionalism.
Established in 1968 at UNESCO’s initiative, WFEO represents engineering organisations across the globe and serves as a platform for advancing engineering’s role in sustainable development.
Basa has already created history within WFEO, becoming the first Indian to serve as its Internal Auditor in December 2025. He previously held the position of Executive Vice President (2022–2025), only the second Indian to do so, and chaired the Strategic Planning Committee during 2022–2025.
An alumnus of Regional Engineering College (now NIT Rourkela), Basa’s latest appointment is seen as a significant recognition of Indian engineers’ professional standing and leadership in international engineering governance.
