Rajesh Pandey IAS given additional charge as ACS- Co-operation Dept , West Bengal
Shri Rajesh Pandey IAS (West Bengal 1995) presently Additional Chief Secretary- Youth Services and Sports Department will hold the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary- Co-operation Department , West Bengal.
About IAS Rajesh Pandey | Shri Rajesh Pandey is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1995 batch from the West Bengal cadre, widely respected for his distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in public administration. Known for his extensive experience across industry, power, district administration, rural development, sports, electoral management, and public policy, he has consistently handled several key leadership assignments in the Government of West Bengal with professionalism, strategic vision, and administrative excellence.
Presently, Shri Pandey serves as the Additional Chief Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal. He has also held the position of Principal Secretary of the department before his elevation to the apex scale. In this capacity, he is responsible for guiding policies aimed at strengthening the MSME ecosystem, promoting industrial growth, encouraging entrepreneurship, and enhancing the competitiveness of West Bengal’s textile sector. In 2026, he was also entrusted with the additional charge of the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, reflecting the confidence reposed in his administrative abilities.
An engineer by qualification, Shri Pandey graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, securing First Division. Recognising the importance of management in governance, he subsequently earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, again with First Division. Further strengthening his academic credentials, he completed a postgraduate degree in Public Management and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA, graduating with First Class with Distinction. His educational background provides him with a unique blend of technical expertise, managerial insight, and global policy perspectives, enabling him to approach governance with analytical depth and innovation.
Over the course of his career, Shri Pandey has successfully managed a wide spectrum of administrative responsibilities. His long association with the MSME and Textiles Department has been marked by efforts to foster industrial development, improve the business environment, support traditional and emerging industries, and facilitate sustainable growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Under his leadership, the department has continued to focus on strengthening industrial infrastructure, skill development, and employment generation while promoting investment across various sectors.
One of the most significant chapters of his career was his tenure as Chairman and Managing Director of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). Serving in this position during two separate tenures between 2011 and 2019, Shri Pandey played an important role in overseeing one of the state’s largest public utilities. His leadership was associated with improving operational efficiency, strengthening electricity distribution systems, and supporting initiatives aimed at expanding reliable power supply across urban and rural areas.
Shri Pandey has also served as Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, where he supervised programmes focused on youth empowerment, sports infrastructure development, and promotion of sporting activities across the state. His tenure reflected an emphasis on institutional strengthening and effective implementation of development-oriented initiatives.
His administrative experience at the district level is equally noteworthy. As District Magistrate of Nadia and subsequently Darjeeling, Shri Pandey was responsible for maintaining law and order, coordinating development programmes, disaster management, land administration, and implementation of various government welfare schemes. These assignments enabled him to acquire rich grassroots experience and a deep understanding of governance challenges across diverse regions.
Earlier in his career, he served as Commissioner in the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, contributing to rural development initiatives and decentralised governance. He also functioned as Chief Executive Officer in Siliguri, where he gained valuable experience in urban planning, infrastructure development, and municipal administration.
Shri Pandey has also handled important assignments in election management. As Electoral District Officer, Kolkata, and later as Officer on Special Duty and Special Secretary in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, he contributed to the efficient conduct of elections, ensuring adherence to democratic processes through meticulous planning and coordination.
His early postings included assignments as Additional District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Officer, Executive Magistrate, Assistant Magistrate, Under Secretary in the Home Department, and Officer on Special Duty to the Minister, Home Department. These foundational roles provided him with broad exposure to law and order, district administration, public service delivery, and policy implementation.
A significant milestone in Shri Pandey’s professional journey was his study leave in the United States from 2008 to 2010, during which he pursued advanced studies in public management and policy. The international academic exposure broadened his understanding of contemporary governance, institutional reforms, and evidence-based policymaking, enriching his administrative outlook.
Committed to continuous professional development, Shri Pandey has participated in the Government of India’s Mandatory Mid-Career Training Programme (Phase IV) for IAS officers. He has also attended specialised programmes at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, and completed training on the World Trade Organization at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad. These programmes have further enhanced his knowledge of governance, economic policy, and global trade issues.
Over a career marked by versatility and sustained public service, Shri Rajesh Pandey has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse organisations, manage complex administrative responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development agenda. His strong academic foundation, extensive field experience, and leadership across critical sectors have established him as one of West Bengal’s senior civil servants. His professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to responsive governance, institutional excellence, and public welfare.
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Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Rajesh Pandey the very best.