The All India Distillers' Association (AIDA) has named Bharati Balaji as its new Deputy Director General, bringing in a seasoned professional whose career spans legal practice, corporate governance, and industry policy advocacy.
Balaji's professional journey began at the Supreme Court of India, where she practiced law for nearly five years before moving into the corporate sector. She subsequently joined The Times of India Group as Manager – Legal, handling a broad range of contractual and legal matters over a five-year tenure. She later joined Microsoft, where she led the Contract Sourcing and Negotiation team, gaining international exposure in corporate governance and team management.
In 2012, Balaji joined the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) as Deputy Head. During her time there, she played a key role in establishing ISMA's bio-energy arm — the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association — and rose to the position of Director. She also served as acting head of ISMA for three months during a leadership transition. Her portfolios at ISMA included policy formulation, strategic initiatives, and legal and compliance matters.
Vice President Kushal Mittal emphasised the timeliness of the appointment, pointing to the government's heightened focus on biofuel adoption and energy security as areas where AIDA's policy engagement will be critical.
AIDA is India's apex body representing the ethanol, bioenergy, and potable alcohol sectors, including both grain-based and molasses-based ethanol manufacturers. The association works closely with industry and government stakeholders on ethanol blending, farmer welfare, energy security, and sustainability.