Mr. Chandra joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1978 in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre. In a diverse career spanning 37 years in the IAS, he has held several prestigious positions, both in the state of UP and the Government of India (GOI). The experience gained in policy formulation and implementation is demonstrated by a long record of successful outcomes in multiple areas and sectors like oil and gas, industry, disinvestment, foreign direct investment, intellectual property and execution of big projects.

During his tenure as Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, GOI, major reforms to reduce the subsidy outgo substantially through Diesel Deregulation, PAHAL and Give Up schemes were introduced. Diesel deregulation stands out as a single decision, with no comparison, which has had a significant sustainable, beneficial impact on the fiscal. PAHAL is the largest cash transfer scheme in the world and finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In his earlier tenures, he has been associated with the formulation and implementation of the National Manufacturing Policy, preparation of the White Paper on Disinvestment, operationalising of the National Investment Fund, ushering of reforms in India’s FDI policy, which included opening up the multi-brand retail and civil aviation sectors to foreign investment, operationalising the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Project and setting up of the very successful overseas Oman India Fertiliser Project.

He has been an ex-officio member of Telecom Commission, Governing Council of Technology Information Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC), National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Society.

He has served on the Boards of more than 20 companies in both in the public and private sector.

Mr. Chandra, holds a degree in Electrical Engineering (First class with distinction) from the Indian Institute of Technology (llT), Kanpur. He has been conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT, Kanpur in recognition of his stellar contributions to public administration  and formulation of public policy.

As a Co-Founder of DeepStrat he brings his vast experience in policy making, administration and implementing complex projects.