The finance ministry has recommended extending the tenure of three managing directors and chief executive officers (MDs and CEOs) and 11 executive directors (EDs) of public sector banks, for up to two years or until the age of retirement, whichever is earlier, as it looks to ensure stability and continuity at state-owned lenders amid the pandemic. The Department of Financial Services (DFS), according to people in the know, has written to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) suggesting the move, before the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) identifies new candidates for the role of bank chiefs. The letter, written earlier this month, recommended a tenure extension for S S Mallikarjuna Rao, MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank, until January 31, 2022, when he is due for superannuation. Rao’s term as MD and CEO is set to end on September 18 this year.