Biographies of the Commissioners
 
Mr. Mathew Cherian
 

Mr. Mathew Cherian holds an engineering degree from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and post graduate in rural management from IRMA, Anand, Gujarat. Also a fellow from the Advocacy Institute, Washington DC.

After engineering, he was engaged with oil exploration, with Schlumberger and ONGC. After IRMA, he worked in the area of rural development with cooperatives, in association with the National Dairy Development Board. He was a consultant to voluntary agencies and to the National Wastelands Development Board. His further assignments include the post of National Director, Oxfam, UK and India, Programme Director, South Asia, Plan International, and Executive Director, Charities Aid Foundation. He has founded Charities Aid Foundation in India, Credibility Alliance, a network for accountability and Resource Alliance (to train in fundraising) and founded National Human Rights Network. Former Chair of Mobile Crèches, Chairperson of Credibility Alliance and Resource Alliance. Also serves as Member of the NGO Task force of the Planning Commission, Member of Grants Approval Committee of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Member of Core Committee of National Human Rights Commission. Is a member of the National Council of Senior Citizens chaired by the Prime Minister.

Mathew currently serves full time as Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge India based in New Delhi, India and serves on the international boards of HelpAge International and GuideStar International. He also serves on the Indian boards of CARE India, Royal Commonwealth Society of the Blind and with the National Foundation of Communal Harmony.