The administrative structure of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci)’s secretariat has seen significant change. Now, the apex industry chamber has posts of secretary-general, as well as director-general, the second time ever.
The chamber has said this is aimed at strengthening its secretariat and ensuring smooth division of work.
Former civil servant Arbind Prasad was recently appointed director-general, while secretary-general Rajiv Kumar retains his post. Kumar would now deal with international issues, while Prasad would look after domestic concerns of the industry lobby group, according to those in the know.
The first time both the posts were simultaneously maintained was in October 2010, when Rajiv Kumar took over as director-general. At that time, the plan was to groom Kumar for the post of secretary-general, then held by Amit Mitra.
Ficci President R V Kanoria said Prasad was appointed director-general to strengthen the chamber’s secretariat. “Ficci is strengthening its secretariat to grow the organisation and meet the aspirations of its members,” Kanoria said.
Executives who have worked with industry chambers said two people at the helm meant the junior official was being groomed for the senior post.
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The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) have either of the two posts. Currently, Chandrajit Banerjee is director-general of CII, while D S Rawat is secretary-general, Assocham.
“I know rumours are doing the rounds, but the new induction is only to distribute the domestic and international work,” said a key Ficci functionary.
Kumar is an economist with a D Phil degree from Oxford University, who had earlier worked with ICRIER and the Asian Development Bank. He has also been an economic advisor in the finance ministry, a senior consultant in the ministry of industries and has worked as chief economist, CII.
Prasad is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1980 batch. Before joining Ficci, he was senior advisor (power & energy) and state advisor for Odisha and West Bengal in the Planning Commission.