Mr Chacko was a Member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), where the work he handled for nearly four decades fell into two major spheres. The first being Development Commissioner of MP, Principal Secretary (Panchayat & Rural Development), and as Secretary (Panchayat & Rural Development) where he worked on the formulation and implementation of programmes aimed at social justice. Programmes and project related to the implementation of old-age & destitute pension schemes, self-employment for the poor, providing rural employment, etc, constituted the major thrust of his activities.
The second sphere of his work relates to financial management and economic administration. While functioning a Special Secretary (Finance) with the government of MP, his responsibilities included assisting in the proper financial management of the state and revitalisation of rural banks. While functioning as the Chief Executive of Government companies and development boards, infrastructure financing became the focus of his attention. As Director General of Foreign Trade, Executive Director ITPO, and Resident Director (India Investment Centre, Singapore), he facilitated the expansion of India’s external trade and investment inflows through appropriate policy support and outreach.
As Director & Vice Chancellor if IIFT, he was responsible for improving the quality of education and research in the university. He inculcated the principles of corporate responsibility in the young students by exposing them to the social and economic challenges of the disadvantaged sections of society.
Currently, Mr Chacko is on the board of directors of IIM (Rohtak) and Indian Energy Exchange. He is a member of the Advisory Council of Thyson Krupp and chairs the Expert Group on Industry of Kerala Planning Board.