Ajay Kumar Bhalla takes charge as ITPO’s CMD

Additional Secretary (Commerce) Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, took over as chairman and managing director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in addition to his existing charge with effect from July 3, 2015. 

Bhalla also served as additional secretary (coal) from January 8, 2015, to April 12, 2015 and worked as Joint Secretary (Coal) from  July 1, 2010. In this capacity, he handled the disinvestment of Coal India Ltd shares as well as various policy issues, including auction of coal mines. 

As Joint Secretary (Shipping) from April 2005 to May 2007, he looked after port development, port operations, and HRD matters relating to the country’s major ports. 

He was instrumental in the finalisation of a new model concession agreement and tariff policy for <g data-gr-id="23">public private</g> partnership (PPP) projects in the port sector.  As Director (Ports) with the Department of Shipping, from May 2002 to March 2005, Bhalla looked after the port operations and HRD 

matters of all major ports in the country.