Rajesh Verma Takes Helm at CAQM: Veteran Bureaucrat Appointed Chairperson

Rajesh Verma, a 1987 batch IAS officer of Odisha Cadre, has been appointed Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM). With over 35 years of experience in public administration, Verma succeeds MM Kutty and will serve a three-year term.

Rajesh Verma, an officer of the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Odisha Cadre, assumed charge as the full-time Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas on Monday.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Verma's appointment is for a term of three years from the date of assumption or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

With more than three-and-a-half decades of expertise in public administration and governance, Verma has an extensive background working across various departments of both Central and state governments. He has held key roles in the President's Secretariat, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Power, Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd. (REC), and multiple departments within the Odisha government.

The Ministry's release highlighted that Verma has been integral in tackling air pollution during his tenure at numerous agencies. Before his new role, he served as Secretary to President Draupadi Murmu until his retirement on August 31, 2024.

Rajesh Verma succeeds MM Kutty, who successfully completed his three-year term as CAQM Chairperson, the release added.

(With inputs from agencies.)