Sanjiv Nandan Sahai
Independent Director
Sanjiv Nandan Sahai belongs to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1986 batch. He has been a part of policy making at the highest levels, both in the Government of India and state government as Director in Prime Minister’s Office, as Additional Secretary and subsequently as Secretary in the Ministry of Power.
He also participated in formulation of several reforms from policy to delivery of services. He has the ability to build consensus, convince, and convert the stakeholders to the reform’s agenda.
He has worked in the infrastructure sector for over 25 years having the experience and first-hand knowledge of a whole range of issues such as infrastructure financing, risks, contract management in particular PPPs etc.
In addition to public sector, he had the unique opportunity of also working in the private sector as a member of the Tata Administrative Service, and later as Adviser in Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) and as MD & CEO of Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System Ltd (DIMTS), a privately managed joint venture company of IDFC and the Delhi Government for seven years (2007-14).
He has been a key member in the Prime Minister’s office (1998-2003), and handled, amongst others, formulation of strategies and policies for infrastructure development, including the National Highways Development Project through private sector participation, the telecom sector, senior appointments in the government of India, judiciary, armed forces, banks, public sector undertakings etc. He was a part of the Task force on Infrastructure set up by the then PM.
He also managed and turned around the performance of large public sector undertakings such as DTC and Chandigarh Housing Board.
He was the Finance Secretary of Delhi Government (2015-18) transitioned VAT to GST. Concurrently as the Chairman of Delhi Financial Corporation a statutory financial institution where he managed the risks in lending and recoveries in the SME sector, improved the quality of assets.
As the Home Secretary in the same period (2015-18) he navigated the department through contentious political and constitutional tensions. This honed understanding of legal issues, and the ability to harmonise conflicting views and bring consensus.
As the Secretary in Ministry of Power, Govt. of India (2019-21) he formulated policies to enhance the sustainability of the power sector, encouraging investment in renewables and improving grid management. Through amendments to various rules and executive orders brought significant reforms in the sector.
On superannuation in 2021 he founded and currently lead, as Director General, a think tank called the Power Foundation of India under the Ministry of Power. It is focused on policy advocacy and research to support India's energy transition. (October ’21 -Present) Concurrently the Director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library (March 22 - Present) he is tasked with establishing and managing a new museum on the Prime Ministers of India and library to promote research on modern-day India.
Educational Qualification:
He has a Master’s in public policy, Princeton University, USA, 2004 (Specialisation: Financial Management and Economic Policy)
Master of Arts, Delhi University, 1982. (First Division)
Bachelor of Arts, Hindu College, Delhi University, 1980
Professional Award, Fellowships etc.
Robert S. McNamara Fellowship from the World Bank in 2003 for a master’s degree in public policy at the Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University.
Awarded Governor’s Gold Medal in 1993 in recognition of leadership, exemplary administrative policy, and meritorious and dedicated service rendered in terrorism affected Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in the context of all-round development work and maintenance of harmony and peace between different ethnic communities.
His Directorship and other full-time positions in bodies corporates are as follows:
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited
Sustainable Energy Infra Investment Managers Private Limited
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited