New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Prasanna Kumar Acharya for the position of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of NLC India Limited, marking a key leadership decision in India’s public sector energy domain.
The recommendation was made during PESB Meeting No. 29/2026, held on 15 April 2026 at 11:30 AM, after evaluating seven senior candidates.
Who Is Prasanna Kumar Acharya?
Currently serving as Director (Finance) at NLC India Limited, Acharya is an experienced PSU leader with over 28 years of expertise across the power, mining, transport, and financial sectors.
He has also been holding the additional charge of CMD since January 12, 2023, giving him prior leadership exposure to the top role.
Strong Academic and Professional Background
Prasanna Kumar Acharya holds multiple academic and professional qualifications, including:
- B.Com (Hons), Utkal University
- M.Com, Ravenshaw University
- MBA (multiple specialisations)
- LLB, MS Law College, Cuttack
- Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India
- Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
He is also a gold medalist in Mechanical Engineering and has cleared several prestigious certifications including the Energy Auditor Exam (BEE) and IPMA Level-D certification.
Extensive Experience in Power and Energy Sector
Acharya has over three decades of experience in India’s energy ecosystem, including stints at major organisations such as NTPC Limited.
His expertise spans:
- Project finance and fund raising
- Accounts and taxation
- Digital transformation and financial automation
- Process improvement and organisational reforms
- Large-scale power and mining operations
He has also served in senior leadership roles and board-level positions in multiple organisations.
Seven Senior Executives Interviewed by PESB
The selection panel interviewed the following candidates for the CMD position:
- Prasanna Kumar Acharya – Director (Finance), NLC India
- Jagadish Chandra Mazumdar – Executive Director, NLC India
- Jasper Rose I.S – Executive Director (Mining & Projects), NLC India
- B. Anbuchelvan – Executive Director & CEO, NLC India
- S. Rajmohan – Executive Director (Operations & Planning), NLC India
- Vijaya Kumar S – Project Head, Barsingsar Project
- Pudi Hariprasad – Financial Adviser, Indian Railways
After evaluation, Acharya was selected as the top recommendation.
Next Step: ACC Approval Pending
The PESB recommendation will now be placed before the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.
Once cleared, Acharya will officially assume charge as CMD of NLC India Limited.
Why the Appointment Matters
NLC India Limited plays a crucial role in India’s lignite mining and power generation ecosystem. As a Navratna PSU, its leadership decisions significantly influence energy strategy, mining expansion, and power sector reforms in the country.
The CMD appointment is therefore considered strategically important for shaping the company’s next phase of growth.
About NLC India Limited
NLC India Limited is a leading public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, engaged in lignite mining and power generation. The company operates large-scale mining projects and thermal power stations and plays a key role in supporting India’s energy security through sustainable and cost-effective power production.
