Amid media reports that state election commissioner of Rajasthan Madhukar Gupta has been appointed as senior advisor in a private not-for-profit organisation – BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI), Gupta has come up with a clarification that he has received an offer to join the organisation but he is yet to decide on it.
“I have received the invitation from BRICS CCI. I have not accepted it yet. I will take decision after completing my tenure as state election commission,” he told The BuckStopper.
The clarification from Gupta has put an end to discussion as to how a person working on a constitutional and sensitive post like state election commissioner can join a private group, which lobbies for business and trade.
The tenure of Madhukar Gupta at the State Election Commission is ending in September this year as he turns 65 on September 17, 2025. Gupta had joined the office on August 14, 2022. The term of office for the Rajasthan State Election Commissioner is five years from the date of assuming office or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.
The appointment letter issued by the chamber, however doesn't mention Madhukar Gupta's present designation. It addresses Gupta as former additional chief secretary and principal resident commissioner. Gupta on central deputation had also served as additional secretary in department of public enterprises in ministry of heavy industries. His wife Kiran Soni Gupta is also an IAS from 1985 batch.
Not the first IAS from Rajasthan to join BRICS CCI
Madhukar Gupta, a 1985 batch IAS officer, who retired as additional chief secretary and principal resident commissioner New Delhi is not the first IAS to get the invitation for joining the chamber.
Tina Dabi, a 2016 batch IAS officer, who is currently serving as collector Barmer, had been part of BRICS CCI. She was honorary advisor there during her term as joint secretary in finance department, as per the website of BRICSCCI (2020-2022).
What is BRICS CCI?
BRICS CCI is a not-for-profit organisation which acts as a platform for promoting businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. It was founded in 2012.
Unlike other trade bodies, which have big names from corporate and industries in the the governing body, BRICS CCI is governed by senior corporate lawyer Harvansh Chawla as chairman, Ashok Kumar Singh and Sameep Shastri as two vice chairman. Dr BBL Madhukar, who is former CMD of MMTC, as director general.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
