Tarun Kapoor, architect of key energy and infrastructure policies, becomes the second employee in the PMO

New Delhi: Tarun Kapoor, a seasoned 1987 batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been reappointed as Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). This will be his second job at the PMO after his first appointment as advisor to the Prime Minister in May 2022. Kapoor is in charge of economic affairs.

Advisors in the PMO provide the Prime Minister with strategic advice, policy insights and operational assistance, helping to make decisions, formulate policy and implement government initiatives. The reappointment of officials, including PK Mishra as principal secretary and Amit Khare as advisor, suggests that the PMO is ready to undertake further reforms, building on its past work and continuity of approach.

Kapoor is known for his extensive experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors, which he brings insight and expertise to his role in the PMO. His responsibilities include providing strategic guidance on government initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of policies, and facilitating inter-ministerial coordination to achieve the government’s development objectives.

Before his appointment to the PMO, Kapoor held several notable positions in both the state and central governments:

As Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas, Kapoor led policies and initiatives related to the oil and gas sector. He focused on increasing domestic production, reducing dependence on imports and promoting cleaner fuels.

He has played a key role in promoting biofuels and cleaner fuels to reduce environmental impact and support sustainable development. He played a key role in expanding the city’s gas distribution network across the country to increase the availability of natural gas for home, industrial and automotive use.

As Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), he played a key role in urban planning and development projects in the national capital, focusing on sustainable development and infrastructure improvement. Kapoor has been involved in projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Delhi’s residents, including housing projects, public transport improvements and the development of green spaces.

Kapoor contributed to the development of the power sector in Himachal Pradesh with emphasis on renewable energy projects and improvement of power infrastructure while serving as the additional chief secretary (power) of the state. Kapoor facilitated the development of hydroelectric projects and other renewable energy initiatives, contributing to the state’s energy security and sustainable development.