Technical Member (State), Principal Bench, New Delhi

A Venu Prasad, IAS (Retd.)
Technical Member (State), Principal Bench, New Delhi
Goods & Services Tax Appellate Tribunal

Mr. A Venu Prasad IAS (Retd.) (1991 Batch, Punjab Cadre) had a distinguished Civil Service Career spanning over three decades in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and retired in the rank of Chief Secretary (Equivalent to Secretary, Government of India) to the Government of Punjab. His rich academic and diverse background and work experience have bestowed upon him a unique and holistic perspective on governance and development. Throughout his illustrious journey in IAS, he served the State of Punjab at various levels making significant contributions to policy formulation and effective program implementation.

Mr. A Venu Prasad completed B.Sc (Agri) from Agriculture College, Bapatla and M.Sc.(Agri) from College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Telangana. While on job, to improve academic knowledge and qualification completed Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in finance in the year 2001 from IGNOU, New Delhi. Later, he pursued a post graduate degree in Public Administration from renowned Syracuse University, New York in the year 2005-2006. Later, completed advanced training programs at Cambridge University, U.K., Harvard University, USA and at ANZOG, Australia. The academic education has provided a strong foundation in both administrative, technical and management disciplines, empowering him to address and resolve complex challenges in Government and Private Sector with competence and efficiency.

Joined Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the year 1991. Over the course of his extensive career of more than 30 years, Mr. A. Venu Prasad has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative skills, leaving an indelible mark in various government positions. Before joining IAS, he worked in Banking Sector and IFS for Four years. In the initial stages of career, he worked as District Magistrate in Faridkot and Jalandhar Districts of Punjab. Also worked as Registrar and officiated as Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

He worked in State Excise and Taxation Department as Commissioner and contributed towards improving state VAT and Excise revenues to the tune of 250 percent in just five years from 2007-2012. During the tenure, he introduced large-scale digitization and data analytics in the tax administration of the State. In VAT regime, first state in the country to introduce the concepts of E-invoicing, E-trip, E-payment, E- check posts in the year 2010-12.

As CMD, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Principal Secretary, Power Department, he initiated major reforms in the power sector of the state including the sale of power on power exchanges, banking of Power with other states and Rs. 5 per unit to Industry as a variable cost. In PSPCL as CMD, introduced smart meters, GIS sub-stations, reduced Transmission & Distribution Losses, etc. As a result of various initiatives, PSPCL has earned first ever highest profit of Rs. 1,400 crores in the year 2020-21. Also signed Power Purchase Agreements with Solar Companies to the tune of 500 MW at record lowest levelized tariff of Rs. 2.33/Kwh for 25 years. These initiatives helped in providing (24x7) uninterrupted quality power to citizens of the State at affordable prices.

In Housing Sector, played a lead role in setting up of new satellite townships in Punjab including New-Chandigarh, I.T. city, Ecocity and Medicity. As a Secretary of Civil Aviation played a key role in designing and construction of new Airports at S.A.S Nagar (Mohali) in the Year 2015-16.

Received Commendation Certificate issued by the His Excellency, the President of India as Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot for his outstanding work towards disabled persons. Awarded Gold Medal by the Baba Farid Society, Faridkot for honesty in Public Service. Also received President of India's Silver Medal for his outstanding work done as D.M., Faridkot during 2001 census.

Mr. A Venu Prasad's professional career as a Civil Servant exemplifies his unwavering dedication to public service and his relentless pursuit of progress for the State of Punjab and the nation. Equipped with exceptional academic background, public contact, diverse experience, and visionary leadership, he continues to be a driving force in shaping the Punjab and nation's growth and development in bringing a positive impact on the lives of its citizens.