With a career spanning over three decades in public policy, infrastructure, and trade, Bhupinder Bhalla has served in various administrative roles across different sectors of society. As a retired 1990-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, his administrative footprint covers Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, his recent role as Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) placed him directly at the center of India’s massive clean-energy transition. Now, he is stepping in as a jury member for the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards 2026, bringing a critical layer of sustained institutional experience to the panel. His presence adds to the credibility of the prestigious award, India’s first and only platform celebrating businesses that dare to put the planet first. This platform recognizes individuals and companies working to scale a startup not just with profit motives but by taking into account their responsibilities toward the planet, taking significant steps toward creating a sustainable tomorrow.
From Trade to the Energy Frontlines
Before driving national renewable energy goals, Bhalla’s career was deeply rooted in commerce and finance. He held major roles like Joint and Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, India, and CEO of the India Brand Equity Foundation. However, his tenure at MNRE truly defined his sustainability legacy. He was at the helm during some of India’s most aggressive clean-energy pushes, such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. He was not merely discussing green energy in abstract terms; he was figuring out how to build systems, secure financing, and write regulations to move these policies from paper to reality. Even after retiring from government service, he continued working in this sector through various positions. He took on the role of Technical Member at the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) and is currently serving as Chair of the Governance Board of GH2 India.
Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards 2026
Building on last year’s momentum, the platform is casting an even wider net this time. It is no longer just about honoring corporate giants; the awards have expanded to celebrate individual changemakers who are on the ground pushing for conservation. The core mission remains the same: to shine a light on visionaries who do not treat eco-responsibility as a PR afterthought but weave it directly into the heart of their work. The organizers are also making one thing very clear: fluff will not cut it. The judging process leans heavily on real, verifiable data. Entries need to prove actual, real-world impact, whether through successfully slashing carbon emissions, saving natural resources, championing clean energy, or designing zero-waste business models. Ultimately, it is about sparking a chain reaction that inspires legacy companies and young entrepreneurs alike to ditch outdated business playbooks and adopt a cleaner, smarter way to grow.
To nominate yourself for the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards, click here.
About the Author
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