Odisha / Eminent Odia Engineer Ashok Basa Appointed First Chair of WFEO Internal Audit Committee

Bhubaneswar, Sep 29: In a significant achievement for India's engineering fraternity, eminent Odia engineer Ashok Basa has been appointed Chair of the Internal Audit Committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), officials said on Tuesday

The appointment, effective from September 28, 2026, places Basa at the helm of a newly constituted committee tasked with strengthening governance, transparency and accountability within the world's premier engineering body. Notably, the Internal Audit Committee has been constituted by WFEO for the first time, making the Odisha-born engineer its inaugural Chair.

A prestigious responsibility

Announcing the appointment, WFEO Executive Director Dr. Moez Chakchouk highlighted Basa's distinguished leadership, professional achievements and commitment to advancing engineering excellence globally. The appointment reflects the Federation's confidence in his ability to guide the committee in upholding the highest standards of governance and institutional integrity.

As Chair, Basa will oversee the committee's work in reviewing the effectiveness of WFEO's internal control systems, ensuring compliance with organisational policies and regulations, safeguarding institutional assets and evaluating the reliability of financial and management information.

The committee will also monitor corrective measures arising from internal audit findings and conduct investigations within the scope of its mandate. It is expected to work closely with the WFEO Executive Board, Secretariat and member organisations worldwide.

A history of firsts

Basa has been closely associated with WFEO leadership over the past several years. In December 2025, he created history by becoming the first Indian to serve as the Internal Auditor of WFEO since the organisation's inception in 1968.

He also served as Executive Vice President of WFEO from 2022 to 2025, becoming only the second Indian to occupy the prestigious position. During the same period, he chaired the Strategic Planning Committee, contributing to the federation's long-term vision and policy direction.

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Pride for Odisha and India

An alumnus of the erstwhile Regional Engineering College (REC), now National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, Basa's appointment is being seen as a recognition of the growing stature of Indian engineers on the global stage.

Founded in 1968 under the initiative of UNESCO, WFEO represents engineering organisations from countries around the world and serves as a leading platform for promoting engineering excellence and sustainable development.

The appointment is expected to further strengthen India's contribution to global engineering governance while highlighting Odisha's growing footprint in international professional leadership.