Shri V.P. Raja is an M. Phil in Social Science and a double post-graduate in Physics from Delhi University and Columbia University (U.S.A). He has a post-graduate degree in Rural Development Planning from the University of East Anglia (U.K.).

As an IAS officer of the Maharahstra cadre, he has worked in various assignments at the District, State and Centre. At the State level, besides holding positions in Finance and Urban Development, he has served as Secretary in the Departments of Trade & Commerce, Housing & Special Assistance, Higher & Technical Education and Water Supply and Sanitation. While on deputation to the Government of India, he has held responsible posts in the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Planning Commission and the Ministry of Defence.

He has authored several books and publications on Zero Base Budgeting, State Finances and Economic Reforms. He has made important contributions to administrative reforms in Maharashtra while working as Collector of Satara and as Transport Commissioner. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Public Administration, Shri Raja was awarded the P.J. Chinmulgund Distinguished Government Administration Award.

Since the year 2000, he has been with the Department of Atomic Energy as Jt. Secretary, Additional Secretary and thereafter as Principal Advisor in the pay of Secretary to Government of India. He retired from Government service on 30.09.2008. He has been appointed as Chairman MERC and has taken oath of his new office on 18.12.2008