Padma Iyer Kaul

Additional Secretary

Padma Iyer Kaul is a distinguished individual with a rich and varied career background. With 28 years of service in the government, she ascended to the esteemed position of Additional Secretary in the Department of Telecom. Throughout her tenure, Padma held diverse roles spanning from policy formulation to implementation and operational management.

During her five-year tenure as Director in the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Padma played a pivotal role in analyzing macroeconomic issues with significant policy implications. As Executive Director at the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, she spearheaded the implementation and operationalization of the National Pension System, as well as a pension scheme catering to the underprivileged. It was during this time, through her interactions with various stakeholders such as NGOs, Farmer Groups, Milk Farmers, and Micro Finance Institutions, that she conceived the idea of creating an organization dedicated to rural development.

Her commitment to rural development continued in her role as Additional Administrator USoF in the Department of Telecom, where she oversaw the financial management of a Rs 40,000 crore Government of India fund aimed at providing digital connectivity to rural India. Combining her extensive experience in managing large-scale projects with her analytical skills and passion for nature, Padma founded Organika Farms – a startup with the vision to revolutionize agricultural practices, one farm at a time. Her profound connection with plants and nature is evident in her happiest moments spent tending to her farm and garden. Padma holds a postgraduate degree in economics from the Delhi School of Economics and is also a Management Graduate. She is known for her collaborative approach, enjoys writing, has a passion for movies, and holds a special affection for Kishore Kumar.

Padma Iyer Kaul epitomizes dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to creating positive change, both in the agricultural sector and beyond.