The SOG Federation (SOGF) has announced the induction of Former Finance Secretary Neeraj Kumar Gupta, a retired IAS officer with an impressive career in public service, as their new Advisor. Neeraj Kumar Gupta is a distinguished retired IAS officer, whose illustrious career includes serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance from (2016-2018), Chairman, National Task Force to Promote Digital and Cashless Economy from (2016-2018) and as the Central Information Commissioner of India from (2019-2023). Gupta’s vast experience and insights are expected to bring invaluable contributions to the federation and foster the growth of the online gaming industry in India.
SOG Federation is the driving force behind India’s online gaming sector’s transformation into a global leader. As a not-for-profit entity, their mission is clear: to promote, regulate, and lead with integrity. Aligned with the progressive guidelines of the IT Laws 2023, they draw inspiration from the ethos of the Olympic and Paralympic movement, fostering a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and fair play.
SOGF is thrilled to onboard Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta (retd IAS), former Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Central Information Commissioner of India, and Chairman of the National Task Force for the promotion of Digital and Cashless Economy.Â
Shri Gupta is a B-Tech graduate from IIT… pic.twitter.com/8vAjPFV5CP
— Skillhub Online Games Federation (@sogfindia) July 30, 2024
Distinguished Roles in Public Service: Secretary of Finance and Central Information Commissioner
Neeraj Gupta’s career highlights include his tenure as the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance (2016-2018) and his role as the Central Information Commissioner of India (2019-2023). In his position as the Central Information Commissioner, Shri Gupta was tasked with ensuring transparency in the disclosure of information by public authorities of the Central Government, including institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), various banks, the petroleum sector, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Acting as a court of final appeal, he had the authority to impose penalties on officials who violated the provisions of the Right to Information Act. His term in this critical role concluded on April 18, 2023.
Neeraj Kumar Gupta, in his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of government investments in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). By shifting the focus from disinvestment to investment management, Shri Gupta introduced a new paradigm that emphasized strategic growth and efficiency.
His innovative approach included the planning and execution of government equity disinvestment through various capital market instruments, notably introducing new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) products like Bharat 22 ETF and Bharat Bond ETF. Under his leadership, the CPSE ETF was rebalanced, and nine companies across diverse sectors such as Insurance and Defence were publicly listed after a five-year hiatus.
Gupta’s tenure was marked by significant mergers and acquisitions, notably the acquisition of HPCL by ONGC, creating India’s first vertically integrated oil major. He also initiated the privatization of over two dozen government companies in sectors including Civil Aviation (Air India & Pawan Hans), Defence (BEML, CEL), Heavy Industries, and Tourism.
His strategic initiatives culminated in achieving the highest-ever non-tax revenue generation for the Government of India through divestment, amounting to over ₹ 100,000 Crores in the financial year 2017-18. Shri Gupta’s visionary leadership and strategic execution have left a lasting impact on the efficient management of government investments in India.
Championing Digital and Cashless Economy Initiatives
In addition to his tenure as the Central Information Commissioner, Gupta served as the Chairman of the National Task Force for the promotion of a Digital and Cashless Economy (2016-2018). In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in implementing fourteen short-term and four medium-term policy decisions of the Government of India. His efforts were instrumental in creating an operational framework that mandated executive actions and ensured cooperation among various government departments, banks, auditors, and regulators. Under his leadership, the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) were established as more suitable domestic products over traditional cards, leading to exponential growth in digital transactions. He also assisted the government in announcing incentive schemes to promote a cashless economy.
Neeraj Kumar Gupta is an alumnus of IIT Roorkee, holding a B-Tech degree. His academic background, coupled with his extensive professional experience, positions him as an invaluable asset to the SOGF. His insights and expertise are anticipated to drive significant advancements within the federation, particularly in the burgeoning online gaming sector in India.
Anticipated Leadership at SOGF
The Hon’ble President of SOGF,Shankar Aggarwal, the Secretary General, Gursharan Singh, and the Advisor, Adv Nandan Kr Jha, warmly welcomes Neeraj Kumar Gupta during his visit to the headquarters of SOG Federation in New Delhi.
As the SOGF continues to strive for excellence and innovation in the online gaming industry, the inclusion of Neeraj Kumar Gupta in their team marks a significant milestone. His leadership and vision are expected to guide the federation towards new heights, ensuring sustainable growth and development in the industry.
