Debasish Kundu

A strategic and results-driven leader with over 17 years of experience in Operations, Project Management Systems (PMS), and large-scale skill development initiatives across India. Proven expertise in leading multi-state programs, driving operational excellence, and delivering high-impact government and CSR-funded projects aligned with national skilling objectives. Recognized for building scalable operational frameworks, strengthening stakeholder partnerships, and leading high-performing teams to achieve measurable business and social outcomes.

Vice President – Operations (Government Projects) - Ascensive Educare Ltd. - Pan-India

(2024-04)

Leading and managing Pan-India operations for Ascensive Educare Ltd, overseeing end-to-end lifecycle of government-funded skill development projects—from proposal submission to project closure. Actively liaising with central ministries, NSDC, and state-level authorities to ensure compliance, alignment, and successful execution.

• Leading end-to-end management of 10+ government skill development projects across multiple states (5–8 states), overseeing the complete lifecycle from sanction to successful closure.
• Spearheading engagement with central ministries, NSDC, and state authorities, ensuring timely approvals, policy alignment, and seamless execution of projects.
• Driving continuous follow-up for claim processing and fund disbursement, successfully facilitating release of claims worth ₹5–10+ Crore and ensuring timely financial closure.
• Reviewing and approving 100% of critical project communications (MIS and Quality teams), ensuring compliance, accuracy, and zero escalation from stakeholders.
• Effectively disseminating ministry guidelines and updates to cross-functional teams of 50+ members, ensuring 100% alignment and implementation across projects.
• Overseeing preparation and submission of claim documentation with high approval success rate (95%+), and actively leading desk verification processes.
• Successfully coordinated with all stakeholders for smooth execution and closure of projects, including achieving 90%+ compliance.
• Improved claim processing efficiency by 30–40% through structured follow-ups and documentation control mechanisms.
• Strengthened stakeholder relationships, resulting in faster project approvals and reduced turnaround time by 20%+.
• Established robust communication and review systems, minimizing errors and ensuring near-zero compliance deviations.
• Played a key role in scaling operations across states, enhancing organizational visibility and credibility with government bodies.

Assistant Vice President – Operations (Government Projects) - Ascensive Educare Ltd. - Pan-India

(2022-04 - 2024-03)

Managed execution and operational delivery of multi-state government skill development projects, focusing on performance, compliance, and team management.

• Executed 10+ government projects across 5–8 states, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to operational and compliance standards.
• Coordinated with government stakeholders for approvals, project modifications, and execution support.
• Managed claim processing and documentation, ensuring timely fund disbursement and financial closure.
• Monitored performance of operations and quality teams, ensuring achievement of contractual targets and KPIs.
• Ensured effective communication of ministry updates and guidelines across all project locations.
• Supported desk verification and audit processes, maintaining 95%+ approval success rate.
• Built and expanded a Pan-India operations team (50+ members), significantly improving execution capability, coordination, and delivery efficiency across multiple states.

General Manager – Operations (Government Projects) - Ascensive Educare Ltd. - Pan-India

(2020-04 - 2022-03)

Entrusted with driving operational excellence and execution of multi-state government skill development projects, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and outcome-based delivery.

• Directed the implementation of 10+ large-scale government projects across multiple states, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality benchmarks, and regulatory frameworks.
• Acted as a key interface with government bodies and project authorities, facilitating approvals, resolving operational challenges, and enabling smooth project rollout.
• Orchestrated financial and claim management processes, ensuring accuracy in documentation and timely release of project funds.
• Drove performance management across operations and quality functions, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and performance indicators.
• Enabled seamless flow of policy updates and operational directives from ministries to ground-level teams, ensuring uniform execution.
• Played a critical role in audit readiness and verification processes, consistently maintaining a high approval and compliance track record.
• Introduced structured coordination and monitoring mechanisms to enhance delivery efficiency and minimize operational gaps.

Assistant General Manager – Operations - Ascensive Educare Ltd. - West Bengal, Kerala & North East

(2018-04 - 2020-03)

• Managed operations of skill development projects across multiple regions, ensuring adherence to project guidelines and delivery timelines.
• Supervised center-level activities, ensuring quality training delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinated with regional stakeholders and internal teams to ensure smooth implementation of projects.
• Monitored performance metrics and supported teams in achieving enrolment, training, and placement targets.
• Assisted in audit readiness, documentation, and compliance to maintain project standards.

Deputy Operations Manager - Ascensive Educare Ltd. - West Bengal & North East

(2015-04 - 2018-03)

• Oversaw execution of projects across West Bengal and North East, ensuring alignment with operational and compliance frameworks.
• Acted as a bridge between field operations and senior management, ensuring timely communication and issue resolution.
• Monitored center performance, identified gaps, and implemented corrective actions to improve outcomes.
• Supported stakeholder coordination, including government bodies and partners, for smooth project execution.
• Contributed to process improvements and standardization across centers.

Operations Manager - Ascensive Educare Ltd. - West Bengal

(2012-12 - 2015-03)

• Led Pan-West Bengal operations for multiple skill development projects, ensuring consistent execution across regions.
• Directed cross-functional teams to achieve organizational targets, operational KPIs, and quality benchmarks.
• Established standardized processes and monitoring systems to enhance efficiency, scalability, and performance tracking.
• Strengthened coordination between regional teams, central office, and stakeholders for seamless project delivery.
• Drove continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and optimize operational outcomes.

Marketing Executive - Orion Edutech Pvt. Ltd. - Hooghly

(2011-04 - 2012-11)

• Executed local marketing and mobilization activities to support training center operations and achieve enrolment targets.
• Conducted field outreach programs, including campaigns, community meetings, and institutional tie-ups to generate candidate leads.
• Supported center operations by coordinating with training teams to ensure smooth batch formation and onboarding of candidates.
• Maintained relationships with local stakeholders, including schools, पंचायत bodies, and community leaders, to strengthen outreach.
• Assisted in tracking enquiries, conversions, and mobilization data to support operational planning.

Business Development Manager - Orion Edutech Pvt. Ltd. - Hooghly & Howrah

(2008-07 - 2011-03)

• Led business development and center operations across multiple locations, ensuring achievement of enrolment and revenue targets.
• Established and managed training centers, overseeing infrastructure setup, staffing, and operational readiness.
• Drove mobilization strategies and partnerships to ensure a consistent pipeline of candidates for training programs.
• Managed end-to-end center operations, including batch planning, training coordination, and performance monitoring.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with local stakeholders, industry partners, and clients to expand business opportunities.
• Monitored center-level KPIs, ensuring alignment with quality standards, compliance requirements, and project guidelines.
• Identified growth opportunities and contributed to expansion of operations across new locations.

Graduate - BA HONS - Calcutta University (2008)

12th - West Bengal Board (2005)

10th - West Bengal Board (2003)