New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Akash Tripathi (IAS: 1998: MP) as the new Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) . Tripathi, who is presently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power , will now take charge of the central public sector undertaking responsible for spearheading India’s renewable energy transition.
Currently, the role of Chairman and Managing Director of SECI was being held as an additional charge by Santosh Kumar Sarangi (IAS: 1994: OR) , Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. The post became vacant after the Centre prematurely terminated the services of Rameshwar Prasad Gupta (Retd IAS: 1987: GJ) , who was sacked more than a month before his scheduled completion of tenure on June 14, 2025.
Gupta’s removal, linked to controversial tendering decisions during his tenure, stirred debates in policy and corporate circles. Under his leadership, SECI had briefly barred Reliance Power from renewable energy tenders before withdrawing the order following a court directive. Gupta, who took over the role on June 15, 2023 , was at the helm when SECI was granted Navratna status in August 2024 .
The timing of his dismissal has sparked speculation, with insiders suggesting that the move highlights the government’s intent to enforce strict accountability measures . Analysts believe that the possibility of disciplinary action following termination cannot be ruled out. With Akash Tripathi’s appointment, the government is expected to push forward its ambitious clean energy and solar expansion agenda with renewed direction.
