Kolkata: The Central Government has appointed Rajesh Pandey, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the West Bengal cadre, as the new Chairman of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).
According to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment for a five-year term. He will assume office from the date he takes charge and will continue until the completion of the five-year tenure or until he reaches the age of superannuation, whichever comes earlier.
The appointment marks an important leadership change for one of India’s oldest and most significant public sector organisations in the power and water resources sector.
Rajesh Pandey Currently Serves as Additional Chief Secretary in West Bengal
Rajesh Pandey is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Textiles departments of the Government of West Bengal.
During his administrative career, he has also held key responsibilities in the Sports and Cooperation departments, gaining extensive experience in governance, public administration, and policy implementation.
His long experience in the West Bengal government is expected to support effective coordination between the Centre, state governments, and the Damodar Valley Corporation.
Read also: DVC Appoints Sidhartha Sankar Das as Member-Secretary to Strengthen Leadership Team
Current Additional Charge Held by NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh
Before Rajesh Pandey’s appointment, the additional charge of DVC Chairman was being handled by Gurdeep Singh, Chairman of NTPC, who took over the responsibility on June 1, 2026.
With the appointment of a full-time Chairman, DVC is expected to continue its focus on strengthening operational efficiency and expanding its energy infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities of Damodar Valley Corporation
The Damodar Valley Corporation plays a crucial role in the development of the Damodar River Valley region across Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Its major responsibilities include:
- Power generation through thermal, hydel, and solar energy
- Flood control in the Damodar River basin
- Irrigation and water resource management
- Supporting regional socio-economic development
- Infrastructure development and sustainable resource management
The organisation remains one of eastern India’s most important power utilities and water resource management agencies.
Appointment Comes as DVC Expands Power Generation and Modernisation
Rajesh Pandey takes charge at a time when DVC is actively working to expand its power generation capacity and modernise its infrastructure.
His administrative experience is expected to contribute to improved decision-making, better coordination with governments, and efficient implementation of strategic projects.
The appointment is also viewed as part of the Central Government’s broader strategy of placing experienced senior bureaucrats at the helm of major public sector enterprises to improve governance and operational performance.
Why Rajesh Pandey’s Appointment is Significant
As Chairman of DVC, Rajesh Pandey will oversee one of India’s most strategically important public sector organisations responsible for energy generation, flood management, and regional development.
His experience in handling multiple administrative departments in West Bengal is expected to strengthen cooperation between central and state agencies while supporting DVC’s long-term development goals.
The formal appointment order has been issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions through the Department of Personnel and Training.
About Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is a statutory public sector undertaking established in 1948 under the Damodar Valley Corporation Act. Inspired by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the United States, DVC is responsible for power generation, flood control, irrigation, and regional development across the Damodar River Valley in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Read also: DVC Appoints Manish Kumar as Member (Finance) to Strengthen Leadership and Financial Strategy
