Kolkata: Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), one of India’s leading integrated power utilities, has appointed Mr. Rajesh Pandey, IAS, as its 51st Chairman. He officially assumed charge on 23rd July 2026, marking the beginning of a new phase focused on progress, innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
The appointment is expected to strengthen DVC’s strategic direction as the organization continues to play a crucial role in India’s power generation, transmission, and irrigation sectors.
Rajesh Pandey Takes Charge as DVC’s 51st Chairman
Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) announced that Mr. Rajesh Pandey, IAS, officially assumed charge as its 51st Chairman on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
A 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the West Bengal cadre, Rajesh Pandey brings nearly 31 years of distinguished administrative experience across multiple government departments and public sector organizations.
Welcoming the new Chairman, DVC stated:
“We are honored to welcome Mr. Rajesh Pandey, IAS, as he assumes charge as the 51st Chairman of Damodar Valley Corporation today.”
The corporation also expressed confidence in his leadership, saying:
“Under his guidance and leadership, DVC looks forward to an era of progress, innovation and excellence in serving the nation.”
Read also: DVC Appoints Sidhartha Sankar Das as Member-Secretary to Strengthen Leadership Team
Extensive Administrative Experience Across Key Government Departments
Throughout his civil services career, Rajesh Pandey has held several senior leadership positions in the Government of West Bengal.
He has served as Additional Chief Secretary for the following departments:
- MSME & Textiles
- Personnel & Administrative Reforms
- Sports and Youth Services
- Co-operation
Earlier, he also served as Secretary of the Consumer Affairs Department, where he contributed to policy implementation and governance reforms.
His extensive experience in administration, public policy, infrastructure, and governance is expected to benefit DVC’s future growth and modernization initiatives.
Significant Contribution to West Bengal’s Power Sector
Before joining DVC, Rajesh Pandey played a major role in strengthening West Bengal’s electricity sector.
He served as the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) for more than five years.
During this period, he simultaneously held several important positions, including:
- Chairman of New Town Electric Supply Company Limited (NTESCL)
- Managing Director of West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL)
- Director of Durgapur Projects Limited (DPL)
- Member of the Governing Body of the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA)
His leadership contributed significantly towards expanding electricity access, improving transmission infrastructure, and supporting comprehensive planning for West Bengal’s power sector.
Strong Academic Background
Rajesh Pandey has an impressive academic profile that complements his administrative experience.
He completed his B.Tech. (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur in 1993.
In 2008, he was selected as a Fulbright Fellow for Leadership Development, one of the world’s most prestigious international academic exchange programmes.
Later, in 2010, he earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, USA, strengthening his expertise in governance, leadership, and public administration.
What Rajesh Pandey’s Appointment Means for DVC
Industry observers believe Rajesh Pandey’s appointment comes at an important time when India’s power sector is undergoing rapid transformation.
With his experience in governance, infrastructure development, policy implementation, and public sector management, he is expected to:
- Accelerate DVC’s modernization initiatives.
- Improve operational efficiency across power generation and transmission.
- Promote digital transformation and technological innovation.
- Strengthen sustainable and clean energy initiatives.
- Support India’s long-term energy transition goals.
- Enhance organizational performance and service delivery.
His leadership is expected to help DVC further strengthen its position as one of India’s most important power utilities.
DVC Eyes a New Era of Innovation and Excellence
Damodar Valley Corporation has played a pivotal role in the development of eastern India for decades through its integrated approach to power generation, transmission, distribution, irrigation, flood control, and regional development.
Under the leadership of Rajesh Pandey, DVC is expected to focus on:
- Expanding power generation capacity.
- Adopting advanced technologies.
- Improving operational reliability.
- Enhancing environmental sustainability.
- Supporting India’s growing energy demand.
The corporation has expressed confidence that the new Chairman will guide DVC towards greater efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth.
About Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)
Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is one of India’s premier public sector power utilities, established in 1948 under the Damodar Valley Corporation Act. Headquartered in Kolkata, DVC operates across West Bengal and Jharkhand, managing thermal and renewable power generation, electricity transmission, distribution, irrigation, flood control, and water resource management. Over the decades, DVC has played a vital role in supporting industrial growth and providing reliable electricity to millions of consumers, making it a key contributor to India’s energy infrastructure and the socio-economic development of the Damodar Valley region.
Read also: DVC Appoints Manish Kumar as Member (Finance) to Strengthen Leadership and Financial Strategy
