Advisory Board

Dr.Ajay Kumar Mohapatra

Served in Department of Forest & Environment, Climate Change, Odisha for 27 years as Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (equivalent to Addl. Secretary, GoI). Responsible for implementation of policies, regulations and management of forests & wildlife, promoting community development and livelihoods. Worked in several State and National level Task force to formulate, negotiate and launch external aided Conservation-Livelihood projects funded by SIDA (Sweden), IFAD (Rome), and JBIC (Japan).

Dr.Rajkishor Meher

Dr. Meher headed the Social Impact Assessment wing of Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies, Bhubaneswar prior to his superannuation. He was also the Former Professor of Sociology at Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies. He has 12 publications to his credit.
He upholds that Health is an essential component of economic development and there is a strong correlation between health of human population and societal well-being. We cannot just think of the development of the human capital without the development of health and education of the people. However, it is found that although India has made large gains on the health front of its population, there exist wide variations between and within states.

Dr. Prithwiraj Sahu

Holds a PH.D from Institute of Environment Management & Plant Sciences, Vikram University, Madhya Pradesh more than 20 years of experience in Environmental Safeguard Consultancy Planning, Designing, Supervision of Environment projects, Ecology, Land use Land Planning, Remote Sensing & GIS
Having 16 years of Experience in the field of Industrial, Research & Academic field. Having handled independently various Environment Management of plant, Conducted Public Hearing for Expansion Project, Liaising with Statutory Bodies like State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Preparation of Environment Impact Assessment & Environment Management Plan Reports as Per Ministry of Environment & Forest Guidelines, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental System Audit. Green Belt Development programme, Presentation of Terms of Reference and Environmental Clearance of Industries at MoEF, New Delhi. Preparation of environmental compliances to State Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), base line data collection, Filling up statutory forms, preparation of Technical presentation to State Pollution Control Board & Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF). Hazardous waste and e-waste management, Solid Waste Management & Handling system. Environmental Management at Iron ore Mines and Raw Material Handling. Developing Environmental Awareness among the workers.

Shri Nityananda Palai

Nityananda Palai IAS (Retd.) born on 15/3/1956 entered into Odisha Industries Service in 1981 after Post Graduation and served in Industries Department in different capacities. In 2010 inducted to Indian Administration Service and retired in 2016 as Director of Industries, Odisha. During Service career actively involved in planning, policy-making and implementation of various programs for promotion of MSMEs/Cottage Industries including Handicrafts in the State.

Prior to his appointment as the Director of Industries, He was the Deputy Secretary to Government, Textiles & Handloom Department. His expertise in the segment of skill up-gradation, capacity building of youths in income generation activities.
Shri Umakanta Jena

Shri Umakanta Jena is a highly accomplished techno-legal professional with over 34 years of experience in the Government of India, having served in senior leadership positions at the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and NICSI, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). He brings extensive expertise in administration, IT governance, legal affairs, project management, HR, and institutional coordination.

He has successfully handled key national ICT and e-Governance projects for premier institutions including the Prime Minister’s Office, President Secretariat, Parliament, and various Ministries. A committed social leader, he is also the Chairman of Jaga Kalia Charitable Foundation and actively engaged in welfare and community development initiatives. As an Advisor, Shri Jena provides strategic guidance, leadership, and institutional expertise to strengthen the organization’s vision and impact.