Pankaj Jain is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. He has held this position since December 2021 and is expected to retire on 31 December 2025.
Education & Background
Born on 28 December 1965 in Delhi, Pankaj Jain holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Shri Ram College of Commerce (University of Delhi). He also earned an MBA in Management from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University, and a Diploma in Cost Accounting from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
Career and Appointments
State-Level Roles
Pankaj Jain began his administrative career in Meghalaya in 1992, serving as Sub-Divisional Officer. He later became Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills and held posts such as Director of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. He served in various senior roles in the Meghalaya state government, including as Principal Secretary in departments like Planning and Power.
Central Government Roles
He transitioned to the central government in 2015, serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. He was promoted to Additional Secretary in the same department, a role he held until December 2021.
In December 2021, Pankaj Jain was appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, where he assumed charge of one of the most strategic ministries in the Government of India.
Key Initiatives or Focus Areas
As Petroleum Secretary, Pankaj Jain has overseen policy initiatives in oil and gas exploration, refining, fuel marketing, import/export, and energy transition. He has played a key role in shaping India’s energy security framework and promoting clean fuels.
He also serves as Chairman of Petronet LNG Limited and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited, and has represented the government on the boards of several public sector banks, insurers, development finance institutions, and regulatory authorities.
Jain has actively supported biofuel development, clean energy innovation, and public awareness initiatives under government programs like Swachhta Pakhwada. His efforts are aimed at balancing traditional energy needs with India’s broader sustainability goals.
Summary
Pankaj Jain is a senior civil servant with over three decades of experience in both state and central government. With academic expertise in commerce, management, and cost accounting, he has led financial, industrial, and energy sector reforms. As Secretary (Petroleum and Natural Gas), he plays a vital role in steering India’s energy strategy and ensuring a smooth transition toward cleaner fuels and energy sustainability.