Mr. Durgesh Shankar studied at the Modern School, New Delhi, St. Stephens College [BA (Hons.) Maths], Delhi, Faculty of Law (LLB), Delhi, University College of Wales Swansea, (M.Sc Economics–Development Policy & Planning) (UK) and the JF Kennedy School of Governance, Harvard (USA). He resides permanently in New Delhi.
Durgesh is a former IRS officer (Income Tax – 1973 batch) who superannuated in 2011 as Member (Revenue), Central Board of Direct Taxes and Special Secretary to the Government of India. During his service with the GoI, he held senior posts across the Ministry of Railways (1988-90), Ministry of Science & Technology (1991-93), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (93-94) and Ministry of Textile (where he was Managing Director, Central Cottage Industries Corporation (2000-04) while concurrently holding charge as Senior Director of the National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum (Crafts Museum) (2002-03).
Post retirement he is rendering legal consultancy & advice and representation on issues relating to domestic and international taxation, India market penetration, incorporations, strategic long-term planning, wealth planning, prevention of money laundering, Black Money Act etc. and is appearing before various High Courts, Income Tax Appellate Tribunals, etc. He has given lectures at various Institutes of repute viz. IIMs Bangalore & Indore, and also appears as expert in Finance & Tax matters on various TV channels. He has authored several articles and papers.
He is presently on the Board of Governing Directors, Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management-Research, New Delhi.
His interests include the fine arts & crafts and Hindustani classical music. He is also the author of a coffee table book and continues to have a considerable interest in global economy and current political developments.