Mr. Sudhir Mital

Independent Director

Mr Sudhir Mittal, an IAS officer of 1978 batch, has held many state and central government positions in an illustrious career that lasted 40 years. Armed with a Master’s degree in Humanities, he started his career as a teacher of the subject, until he entered public service through India’s topmost civil service. Later in 1994, he augmented his qualifications with a 12-month scholarship fellowship course in rural development at the University of Birmingham. He brings vast experience across key sectors, combined with intricate operational proficiency; along with his stint and his experience in regulations – to the board.

In his various roles, he was a part of the advancement of many large-scale governmental initiatives. His grassroot level work as a field officer in implementing government schemes to intended beneficiaries, later evolved into a planning role in the development of key reforms. He served as the member and Chairman of Competition Commission of India (CCI), India’s fair trade market regulator. He was also a key functionary engaged in the evolution of Companies Bill 2013.

He was instrumental in rural and inclusive development across various stints. Particularly, as the Secretary to the Department of Chemicals and Fertilisers, he was responsible for planning, promotion and development of the fertiliser industry in the country. With seasoned strategic expertise and commercial insight in the chemical and agricultural sectors, he played a key role in ensuring that fertilisers were adequately distributed; without price increases, shortages or hoarding. He also ensured fertilisers remained affordable to farmers by providing financial assistance via subsidies, concessions for domestic and imported fertilisers; including potash and other chemical fertilisers – with a comprehensive approach.

As the chairman of Punjab State Electricity Board, he pushed through many reforms including open access as per the Electricity Act of 2003, aiding rural electrification. His efforts ensured that farmers of the state received minimum eight hours of electricity, which is gainfully directed towards agricultural efforts. He helped establish a separate grid as well as transmission lines which can measure power directed to agriculture.

His modernisation initiatives like computerising sales tax records in Punjab state in late 1990s, helped plug many gaps and enhance revenue inflow. Added to that, as the Managing Director of Punjab Financial Corporation he aided the progress of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing financial support.

He was also a part of many international forums like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and played an active role in sustainable development during his stint as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. As the ‘Chief Negotiator’ he was a part of many regional, bilateral and multilateral negotiations on behalf of the country, as the nodal point of the ministry.

His love for sports led to many governmental as well as institutional roles in the field. He was the government’s Special Emissary to the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010, where he oversaw the development of the Games Village and other operations. He is also President of the Gymnastics Federation of India, affiliated to the International Gymnastics Federation and the Indian Olympic Association.

Mr Mittal who started his career as an educator, continues his interest in the area of education. He is on the Board of Governors of prestigious school Vivek High School in Chandigarh.

Since his retirement from civil service, he lends his expertise in areas like environment and social sustainability, corporate governance, legal and compliance, financial literacy and more.

He won the President’s Award in 1989 for his outstanding contribution to the Indian Red Cross. He received Punjab Government certificate of distinction in 1989-90 towards National Family Welfare Programme. He also received an appreciation from Punjab Government towards his meritorious contribution to National Census in 1981.

His directorships in body corporates are as follows: