‘I am a bridge between the Minister and the world’

Not many people would have an inkling that the soft-spoken Apurva Chandra, PS to Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, was responsible for the first ...

Not many people would have an inkling that the soft-spoken Apurva Chandra, PS to Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, was responsible for the first computerised PDS system in the country. Back in 1995-97, as the Controller of Rationing in Mumbai, Chandra was able to control bogus ration cards with great success. Kerosene was the most important source of cooking fuel at that time in Mumbai and through effective intervention and computerisation, Chandra was able to achieve almost cent per cent availability of kerosene for genuine ration card holders in Mumbai. It was then that Chandra came in touch with Ram Naik and he continues to be his PS now for over three years.

Chandra started his education from small towns of UP, where his father was an engineer in the irrigation department.

After completing his schooling from Delhi Public School (Mathura Road), he joined IIT Delhi. He gave up a fellowship from Cornell University in the US to pursue a career as an IAS officer, Maharashtra cadre. Chandra had an enriching experience as the Collector of Sholapur, a district very fertile as far as agriculture is concerned yet simultaneously drought-prone. It is here that Chandra learnt a lot about agriculture and animal husbandry.

As Chandra puts it, though all the files to the ministers move through their respective private secretaries, ‘‘the PS is only a bridge between the minister and the outside world.’’ The job is tough as it includes long hours and meticulous planning on behalf of the minister. Reward: an insight into the developments of the entire sector.