NEW DELHI: Rajesh Verma, an officer of the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Odisha Cadre, has taken charge today as the new full-time Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM). Sh. Verma has been appointed for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. He has an experience of over three and half decades and expertise in public administration and governance.

Verma has an extensive experience of working in different departments of the Central and State Governments including President’s Secretariat, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Power, Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd. (REC), New Delhi, Departments of Education, Steel & Mines, Agriculture and Energy under Government of Odisha, Industrial Development Corporations under Government of Odisha and Government of Rajasthan.  He has been key stakeholders to addressing the issue of air pollution in these organizations/ departments.

He also served as the Secretary to the President of India Draupadi Murmu prior to his superannuation on August 31, 2024.

Rajesh Verma succeeds Dr. M.M. Kutty, who has successfully completed his tenure as the full-time Chairperson of CAQM after leading the Commission for three years.