Dr E.A.S. Sarma’s academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from Andhra University, Waltair (India), a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and a Doctoral degree in Energy Planning from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.

He was a member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from 1965-2000.

He held senior positions in the Government of Andhra Pradesh and was Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministries of Power and Finance.

He was earlier Principal Adviser (Energy) in the national Planning Commission. He was closely associated in setting up independent statutory regulatory bodies in the electricity, telecommunications and insurance sectors in India.

After retirement from the IAS, he headed the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad.

He is presently active in articulating people’s concerns for protecting the environment, promoting electoral reforms and safeguarding the livelihood opportunities of the low-income groups in India, including the tribal groups.