R Balakrishnan, born on November 6, 1958, is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1984 Odisha cadre. He served in various capacities including Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary in the Planning and Coordination Department from November 28, 2015, to November 30, 2018. His extensive career encompassed roles such as Additional Chief Secretary, Deputy Election Commissioner, Joint Secretary, Chief Vigilance Officer, Special Relief Commissioner, Commissioner & Secretary, Director, Managing Director, Executive Director, Project Administrator, and Sub-Divisional Officer. He holds a Graduate and Postgraduate degree in Tamil and a Certificate in Gandhian Studies.