The Coal Conundrum

A gold-medalist from the University of Roorkee (now IITRoorkee), PC Parakh worked as a Mining Geologist for National Mineral Development Corporation and Hindustan Copper Limited before joining the IAS in 1969. He received his Masters Degree in Fiscal Studies from the University of Bath (UK).In his parent cadre of Andhra Pradesh, Parakh had a long tenure in the Industry Ministry and was instrumental in making Andhra Pradesh a preferred destination for investment. He was also responsible for restructuring and privatizing loss-making state public sector companies under a British government-funded DFID programme.Parakh retired as the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India in 2005. Post retirement he is happily settled with his wife in Hyderabad and works for two NGOs involved in welfare of physically challenged persons and kidney patients.