Current Position: Secretary to the Vice-President of India
🏛️ Career Overview
Sunil Kumar Gupta is a senior Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1987 batch, belonging to the West Bengal cadre. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning several decades, he has served in a wide range of capacities at both the state and central government levels. Known for his administrative skill and commitment to public service, Gupta currently serves as the Secretary to the Vice-President of India.
🌐 Appointment and Service
Gupta was appointed as Secretary to the Vice-President in August 2022. In this role, he heads the Vice-President’s Secretariat and is responsible for managing all administrative and official functions associated with the office. His appointment was made at the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India.
Although he was scheduled to retire from the Indian Administrative Service on December 31, 2023, the Government of India re-employed him on a contractual basis from January 1, 2024. This extension allows him to continue in his current role for the duration of the Vice-President’s term or until further orders, ensuring continuity and stability in the functioning of the Secretariat.
🏠 Role and Responsibilities
As Secretary to the Vice-President, Gupta is responsible for overseeing the overall functioning of the Vice-President’s Secretariat. His key duties include:
- Coordinating official events and public engagements
- Managing internal administration and staff operations
- Preparing official correspondence, briefs, and reports
- Supporting the Vice-President’s parliamentary and constitutional responsibilities
- Acting as the principal liaison between the Vice-President’s office and various ministries, government bodies, and external organizations
👤 Professional Background
Sunil Kumar Gupta is a civil engineer by training, having graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur before joining the IAS. He has held various important assignments over the years, both in West Bengal and in central ministries.
Notably, Gupta previously worked closely with Jagdeep Dhankhar during Dhankhar’s tenure as Governor of West Bengal, building a strong working relationship that continued when Dhankhar assumed office as the Vice-President of India.
🏅 Significance and Recognition
Gupta’s tenure as Secretary to the Vice-President is marked by his calm administrative leadership and deep understanding of constitutional protocol. His reappointment after retirement reflects the trust placed in his experience and capability, as well as the critical need for continuity in the management of high constitutional offices.
📝 Summary
Sunil Kumar Gupta is a veteran civil servant whose career reflects a blend of technical expertise and administrative leadership. As Secretary to the Vice-President of India, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of the Vice-President’s office. His reappointment after superannuation underscores his value to the system and his trusted relationship with the current Vice-President.