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| name = Ashok Kumar Gupta
| name = Ashok Kumar Gupta
| office = Chair of the [[Competition Commission of India]]
| office = Chair of the [[Competition Commission of India]]
| predecessor = Devender Kumar Sikri
| predecessor = Sudhir Mital (acting)
| termstart = 12 November 2018
| termstart = November 9, 2018
| education = [[Delhi University]] (Mechanical Engineering) <br/>[[Syracuse University]] (M.P.A.)<br/>[[University of Madras]] (M.Phil.)
| primeminister = [[Narendra Modi]]
| education = [[Delhi University]] (B.S.) <br/>[[Syracuse University]] (M.P.A.)<br/>[[University of Madras]] (M.Phil)
| profession = Civil Servant
| profession = Regulator, civil servant
| image = Photo CP.jpg
| nationality = Indian
| spouse = Dr. Priti Gupta
| birth_date = 26 October 1957
}}
}}


'''Ashok Kumar Gupta''' ({{Lang-hi|अशोक कुमार गुप्ता}}) is an Indian regulator who serves as Chair of the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI), India's national [[Competition regulator|competition regulatory agency]]. Kumar is an alumnus of the [[Indian Administrative Service]]'s (IAS) [[Tamil Nadu]] cadre.
'''Ashok Kumar Gupta''' ({{Lang-hi|अशोक कुमार गुप्ता}}) belongs to the 1981 Batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS: Tamil Nadu). He has had an illustrious career of 40 years in public service, spanning across sectors from industry and finance, to health and defence production. Prior to his appointment as the Chair of the Competition Commission of India in 2018, he held several key positions in the Central Government, such as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Defence Production, where he was responsible for liberalising the licensing regime and FDI policy. He has also held several positions in the Ministries of Health, Heavy Industries, Shipping, MSME, Commerce & Industry. While posted as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health, he dealt with matters relating to International Cooperation, World Bank, and WHO projects.


⚫
== Education and career ==
He was instrumental in formulating several government policies, such as Automobile Policy, Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana, and ‘Make’ Procedure in defence procurement and establishing the Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Delhi. He has extensive experience in Industry, has headed and turned around State Public Sector Units (PSUs), and served on the Boards of Central and State PSUs such as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., Heavy Engineering Corporation, Tamil Nadu Cements, and others. Before moving to the Centre, he held various positions with the Tamil Nadu Government. Some of his appointments include CMD, Tamil Nadu Cements, Special Secretary (Finance), and Distt. Magistrate, Villupuram. A gold medallist in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi University, he also holds a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University (USA) and an M.Phil. degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=The Commission|url=http://cci.gov.in/commission}}</ref>
Gupta received his degree in [[mechanical engineering]] from [[Delhi University]]. Gupta later attended [[Syracuse University]] (SU) in the [[United States]], where he received his [[Master of Public Administration|Master's of Public Administration]] (MPA) degree. While at SU, Gupta published his dissertation ''A Study Of R&D/Marketing Interface And Innovation Success In High Technology Firms'' (1984), which concluded that [[research and development]] (R&D) and marketing integration is crucial to the success of an organization.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Gupta|first=Ashok|date=1984-01-01|title=A Study Of R&D/Marketing Interface And Innovation Success In High Technology Firms|url=https://surface.syr.edu/busad_etd/65|journal=Business Administration - Dissertations}}</ref>


Gupta went on to receive his [[Master of Philosophy|M.Phil]] degree in [[Military science|Defence and Strategic Studies]] from the [[University of Madras]]. During his career, Gupta served at different times in the Ministries of [[Ministry of Health (India)|Health]], [[Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises|Heavy Industries]], [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Shipping]], [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|MSME]], and [[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Commerce and Industry]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Commission|url=https://www.cci.gov.in/commission|url-status=live|website=[[Competition Commission of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511121913/http://www.cci.gov.in:80/commission |archive-date=2016-05-11 }}</ref>
⚫
== Education ==
Gupta received his degree in [[mechanical engineering]] from [[Delhi University]] (Gold medallist). He later attended [[Syracuse University]] (SU) in the [[United States]], where he received his [[Master of Public Administration]] (M.P.A.) degree. While at SU, Gupta did his Master's project on Regulatory Framework for Health Care Organisations in India, which culminated in the Central Government enacting The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.

Gupta went on to receive his [[Master of Philosophy|M.Phil.]] in [[Military science|Defence and Strategic Studies]] from the [[University of Madras]].

== Career ==

=== As an IAS Officer ===
Gupta joined the [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) in 1981. In his career as an IAS officer spanning over 36 years, he served in various key posts in both the Union and Tamil Nadu Governments as well as in Central and State Public Sector Units.  He served as Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Government of India; Additional/Special Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Government of India; Joint Secretary, Department of Defence, Government of India; Joint Secy. & Sr. Directing Staff, National Defence College; Joint Secretary, Department of Health, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Director, Department of Heavy Industry, Government of India; Director, Department of Small Scale Industries, Ministry of Industry, Government of India; Special Secretary, Finance, Government of Tamil Nadu; Additional Secretary/Special Secretary, Prohibition & Excise, Government of Tamil Nadu; Chairman & Managing  Director, Tamil Nadu Cements; Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Steels; and Deputy Chairman, Chennai Port Trust'''.'''<ref name=":0" />

==== Secretary, Defence Production ====
Gupta was appointed Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Defence Production, on 15 May 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|date=|title=Ashok Kumar Gupta Takes Over as The New Secretary (Defence Production)|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/ashok-kumar-gupta-takes-over-as-the-new-secretary-defence-production-115052501195_1.html}}</ref> As Secretary, Defence Production, he was responsible for liberalising the licensing regime and Foreign Direct Investment policy. Under his leadership, a number of measures were taken to harness the potential in the public and private sectors to meet the defence requirement of India and boost indigenous capabilities in the defence sector and facilitate progressive reduction in imports. These measures included according of priority and preference to procurement from Indian vendors, liberalisation of the licensing regime, and enabling access to modern and state-of-the-art technology to Indian industry by raising the cap on FDI in the defence sector.

==== Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Cements ====
Gupta was CMD, Tamil Nadu Cements, from June 2005 to April 2007. It is under his leadership that the PSU clocked net profit in 2006-07 after nine years of continuous losses.  

==== Joint Secretary, Department of Health ====
As Joint Secretary, Department of Health, Gupta handled key matters relating to International Cooperation, World Bank, and WHO projects. He was also instrumental in setting up Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Delhi.


== Competition Commission of India (CCI) ==
== Competition Commission of India (CCI) ==
On November 9, 2018, Gupta was appointed Chair of the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI) for a term expiring October 25, 2022, when Gupta will turn 65.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ashok Kumar Gupta appointed as the chairman of Competition Commission of India|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/ashok-kumar-gupta-appointed-as-the-chairman-of-competition-commission-of-india/articleshow/66560757.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-09-24}}</ref> In a September 2020 interview with ''[[The Indian Express]]'', Gupta argued that [[market concentration]] itself is not an issue, and that the dominance of a single firm in an industry should only be regulated if it is "abused".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-15|title=Ashok Kumar Gupta: 'Concentration of power by itself not a concern … CCI can see if dominance abused or not'|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/ashok-kumar-gupta-concentration-of-power-by-itself-not-a-concern-cci-can-see-if-dominance-abused-or-not-7146664/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
On 12 November 2018, Gupta was appointed chair of the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ashok Kumar Gupta appointed as the chairman of Competition Commission of India|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/ashok-kumar-gupta-appointed-as-the-chairman-of-competition-commission-of-india/articleshow/66560757.cms?from=mdr}}</ref> Under Gupta’s leadership, CCI stepped up its enforcement and advocacy actions in digital markets.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Unchecked dominance in digital markets a concern, says CCI chief|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/unchecked-dominance-in-digital-markets-a-concern-says-cci-chief/articleshow/84861400.cms?from=mdr}}</ref> Enforcement was complemented with stakeholder engagement through market studies and workshops.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Market Studies May Trigger Enforcement Action, Says Competition Commission of India Chairman|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/law-and-policy/market-studies-may-trigger-enforcement-action-says-competition-commission-of-india-chairman|website=BloombergQuint|language=en}}</ref> A market study on e-commerce conducted by CCI during Gupta’s tenure listed out self-regulatory measures for e-commerce marketplaces for improved transparency and competition on the merits.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Market Study on E-Commerce in India: Key Findings and Observations|url=https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/whats_newdocument/Market-study-on-e-Commerce-in-India.pdf|website=Competition Commission of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Fair Play, Volume 33|url=https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/Newsletter_document/FairPlayVol33.pdf|website=Competition Commission of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Ecommerce companies to face action for any unfair practice: CCI chief|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/retail/ecommerce-companies-to-face-action-for-any-unfair-practice-cci-chief/articleshow/88513323.cms}}</ref> A telecom sector market study conducted in 2020 brought out data privacy as a factor of non-price competition.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Market Study on the Telecom Sector in India: Key Findings and Observations|url=https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/whats_newdocument/Market-Study-on-the-Telecom-Sector-In-India.pdf|website=Competition Commission of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|title=Entities with mkt power should not use people's data in 'exploitative manner': CCI chief on digital mkts - ET Telecom|url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/entities-with-mkt-power-should-not-use-peoples-data-in-exploitative-manner-cci-chief-on-digital-mkts/87698960|access-date=|website=ET Telecom|language=en}}</ref>

As CCI chair, Gupta steered the fair-play regulator’s response to the disruptions caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Apart from shifting all regulatory procedures online for seamless functioning of antitrust enforcement and combination review regimes, an advisory was issued spelling out the framework that would inform CCI’s decisions during the pandemic, to facilitate decision-making by businesses to meet the demands arising out of the crisis without unduly worrying about regulatory trysts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Regulating competition in times of Covid-19|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/regulating-competition-in-times-of-covid-19/2105885/|website=The Financial Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=CCI adopting multi-pronged approach; competition law flexible to deal with challenges: Ashok Kumar Gupta|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/cci-adopting-multi-pronged-approach-competition-law-flexible-to-deal-with-challenges-ashok-kumar-gupta/articleshow/76493779.cms?from=mdr}}</ref>


=== COVID-19 response ===
To make M&A filings approval faster, CCI, under the leadership of Gupta, introduced an automatic system of approval for combinations under ‘Green Channel’ on 15 August 2019. Under this process, a combination is deemed to have been approved upon filing the notice in the prescribed format. The system aims to sustain and promote a speedy, transparent, and accountable review of combination cases, strike a balance between facilitation and enforcement functions, create a culture of compliance, and support economic growth.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Press Release No. 8/2019-20|url=https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/PR82019-20.pdf|website=Competition Commission of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=View: How the Competition Commission of India can play a crucial role in India's post-Covid economic recovery|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/view-the-role-of-the-competition-commission-of-india-is-crucial-in-indias-post-covid-economic-recovery/articleshow/78436205.cms|website=The Economic Times}}</ref>
As CCI Chair, Gupta helped coordinate India's regulatory policies during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]], which disrupted the country's economic function. In conjunction with the governments of [[Brazil]], [[Russia]], [[China]], and [[South Africa]], the Gupta-led CCI signed onto the “Statement of the [[BRICS]] Competition Authorities on COVID-19”.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Ashok Kumar|date=2021-04-13|title=The Year Gone By… Competition Law in the Time of a Pandemic – Some Reflections|url=https://www.competitionpolicyinternational.com/the-year-gone-by-competition-law-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic-some-reflections/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=Competition Policy International|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, the Gupta-led CCI received approximately 85 [[Mergers and acquisitions|combination]] filings, with 74 being approved by the commission, including three with remedies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=PTI|title=Competition Commission to have regional presence; more streamlined processes: CCI chief|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/competition-comm-to-have-regional-presence-more-streamlined-processes-cci-chief/article33485884.ece|access-date=2021-09-24|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref>


=== Approach to technology industry issues ===
In Gupta’s tenure, a new confidentiality regime was put in place for privileged information relating to companies and their business operations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Confidentiality regime to be introduced within a month: CCI Chairman|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/confidentiality-regime-to-be-introduced-within-a-month-cci-chairman-319644-2022-01-19|website=Business Today|language=en}}</ref> To enable easy accessibility to stakeholders, the regional presence of CCI was augmented in Gupta’s tenure. The first regional office of CCI in Chennai was operationalised on 26 February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=ANI|title=Sitharaman inaugurates Competition Commission of India's regional office in Chennai|url=http://businessworld.in/article/Sitharaman-inaugurates-Competition-Commission-of-India-s-regional-office-in-Chennai/26-02-2021-382284|website=BW Businessworld|language=en}}</ref>
In the wake of efforts to regulate large [[Technology industry|technology companies]] in China, the [[United States]], and the [[European Union]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Amaro|first=Silvia|date=2021-09-24|title=China and the U.S. are challenging Europe's role as top tech regulator|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/24/china-and-the-us-are-challenging-europes-role-as-top-tech-regulator.html|access-date=2021-09-24|website=CNBC|language=en}}</ref> Gupta has advocated for India to take a similar approach towards "Big Tech". Gupta has argued that digital markets have become "centres for entrenched and unchecked dominance", and under his leadership the CCI has launched investigations into [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] and [[Google]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-11|title=CCI Chairman Ashok Kumar Gupta: Digital markets lately have become 'centres for unchecked dominance'|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/cci-chairman-digital-markets-lately-have-become-centres-for-unchecked-dominance-7429170/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


In an address to the [[ASSOCHAM]] trade association, Gupta hinted that he supported new legislation to supplement or replace the [[The Competition Act, 2002|2002 Competition Act]]. Gupta suggested that the law, which governs Indian competition law, has proven insufficient in the face of concentration in the technology industry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Competition Commission Chief Hints At Changes In Legislation|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/competition-commission-chief-hints-at-changes-in-legislation-2551457|access-date=2021-09-24|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
While serving as CCI chair, Gupta also served as chair of the [[National Financial Reporting Authority]] (NFRA) from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 December 2021|title=Office Order|url=https://nfra.gov.in/sites/default/files/Extension%20of%20CP.pdf|website=National Financial Reporting Authority}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=30 September 2021 |title=CCI Chairman Gupta to be NFRA chief for three months: MCA |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/cci-chairman-gupta-to-be-nfra-chief-for-three-months-mca/article36757430.ece |access-date= |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en}}</ref> Gupta is the current chair of the Forum of Indian Regulators (FOIR).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Forum of Indian Regulators - Profile|url=http://foir-india.org/profile.php|website=foir-india.org}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


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Revision as of 11:44, 11 July 2022

Ashok Kumar Gupta
Chair of the Competition Commission of India
Assumed office
November 9, 2018
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded bySudhir Mital (acting)
Personal details
EducationDelhi University (B.S.)
Syracuse University (M.P.A.)
University of Madras (M.Phil)
ProfessionRegulator, civil servant

Ashok Kumar Gupta (Hindi: अशोक कुमार गुप्ता) is an Indian regulator who serves as Chair of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), India's national competition regulatory agency. Kumar is an alumnus of the Indian Administrative Service's (IAS) Tamil Nadu cadre.

Education and career

Gupta received his degree in mechanical engineering from Delhi University. Gupta later attended Syracuse University (SU) in the United States, where he received his Master's of Public Administration (MPA) degree. While at SU, Gupta published his dissertation A Study Of R&D/Marketing Interface And Innovation Success In High Technology Firms (1984), which concluded that research and development (R&D) and marketing integration is crucial to the success of an organization.[1]

Gupta went on to receive his M.Phil degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. During his career, Gupta served at different times in the Ministries of Health, Heavy Industries, Shipping, MSME, and Commerce and Industry.[2]

Competition Commission of India (CCI)

On November 9, 2018, Gupta was appointed Chair of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for a term expiring October 25, 2022, when Gupta will turn 65.[3] In a September 2020 interview with The Indian Express, Gupta argued that market concentration itself is not an issue, and that the dominance of a single firm in an industry should only be regulated if it is "abused".[4]

COVID-19 response

As CCI Chair, Gupta helped coordinate India's regulatory policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the country's economic function. In conjunction with the governments of Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, the Gupta-led CCI signed onto the “Statement of the BRICS Competition Authorities on COVID-19”.[5] In 2020, the Gupta-led CCI received approximately 85 combination filings, with 74 being approved by the commission, including three with remedies.[6]

Approach to technology industry issues

In the wake of efforts to regulate large technology companies in China, the United States, and the European Union,[7] Gupta has advocated for India to take a similar approach towards "Big Tech". Gupta has argued that digital markets have become "centres for entrenched and unchecked dominance", and under his leadership the CCI has launched investigations into Amazon and Google.[8]

In an address to the ASSOCHAM trade association, Gupta hinted that he supported new legislation to supplement or replace the 2002 Competition Act. Gupta suggested that the law, which governs Indian competition law, has proven insufficient in the face of concentration in the technology industry.[9]

References

  1. ^ Gupta, Ashok (1984-01-01). "A Study Of R&D/Marketing Interface And Innovation Success In High Technology Firms". Business Administration - Dissertations.
  2. ^ "The Commission". Competition Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2016-05-11.
  3. ^ "Ashok Kumar Gupta appointed as the chairman of Competition Commission of India". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  4. ^ "Ashok Kumar Gupta: 'Concentration of power by itself not a concern … CCI can see if dominance abused or not'". The Indian Express. 2021-01-15. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  5. ^ Gupta, Ashok Kumar (2021-04-13). "The Year Gone By… Competition Law in the Time of a Pandemic – Some Reflections". Competition Policy International. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  6. ^ PTI. "Competition Commission to have regional presence; more streamlined processes: CCI chief". @businessline. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  7. ^ Amaro, Silvia (2021-09-24). "China and the U.S. are challenging Europe's role as top tech regulator". CNBC. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  8. ^ "CCI Chairman Ashok Kumar Gupta: Digital markets lately have become 'centres for unchecked dominance'". The Indian Express. 2021-08-11. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  9. ^ "Competition Commission Chief Hints At Changes In Legislation". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
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