Mr. Ashok Kumar Bal is an alumnus of Delhi School of Economics (DSE) and an MBA, encompasses a unique blend of conceptual, strategic, and implementation skills. A 1983 batch India Revenue Service (IRS) Officer, served the Government of India for 27 years in various capacities. Held the assignment as Deputy Chairman (and later Chairman) of Mumbai Port Trust, one of the largest and complex major ports in India, and was responsible for the management and operational aspects of the Port as well as leading and executing strategic initiatives towards the transformation of the Mumbai Port.
He was appointed to several high-powered National Level Committees. Headed a National Committee on Taxation issues of major ports constituted by the Ministry of Shipping. Headed the Committee on Amendment to the Dock Workers’ (Safety, Health, and Welfare) Act and Regulations framed thereunder set up by the Min-istry of Labour, GOI. He was a member of working group constituted by the Shipping Ministry on Model Concession Agreement for PPP Projects in Port and Shipping sectors, Member of the Standing Committee constituted by the Ministry of Shipping to sort out various issues of Mumbai Port vis-a-vis the development of Mumbai city, Member of a Committee to study decongestion of Mumbai city through Inland Water Transport and Coastal Shipping Modes, and also a member of the Empowered Committee on Mumbai Trans-formation set up by the Maharashtra State Government. He took VRS from Civil Service in 2010. He was CEO of an Aditya Birla Group company.
Ashok Kumar Bal has a passion for delving deep into history and heritage, loves to unravel the stories related to people and places. His curiosity to explore the history of the Gajapatis arose from an unusual source―his horoscope made on a palm leaf after his birth by a village jyotish (astrologer). Inscribed on his horoscope, apart from the birth and zodiac details, was the regnal year (anka) and the name of the Gajapati Sri Sri Bi-rakishore Deb, who was the King of Odisha when he was born. He is author of acclaimed book “Gajapati: A King Without a Kingdom”.
Visiting Faculty, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune
Email at: [email protected]