ABOUT SUJEET KUMAR

Sujeet Kumar is an Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and currently serves as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the State of Odisha in the Rajya Sabha (The Council of States or The Upper House) since 2020. Apart from his political career, he is also a lawyer and trained arbitrator who has practiced in the Supreme Court of India and various high courts and tribunals. Throughout his professional journey, he has held significant policy planning positions within the Government of Odisha, including serving as an Advisor to the Special Development Council (SDC) in the rank of Chief Secretary, as well as Special Secretary to the Odisha State Planning Board.

CAREER brief

Kumar began his professional career as a software engineer with Infosys Technologies Ltd. He later transitioned to the development sector, working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on its "ICT for Development" project in Odisha, which aimed to introduce digital technology to remote areas of the state. Subsequently, Kumar joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was involved in designing and managing significant projects.

In 2011, Sujeet Kumar returned to India and established the Kalinga Kusum Foundation, a social enterprise, as well as LexMantra LLP, a business and legal consulting firm. He continues to serve as an advisor and mentor to these organizations, offering strategic direction and guidance. Kumar's career spans multiple sectors, including corporate, government, and development work at international, national, and grassroots levels. He has participated in various conferences and forums both in India and internationally. In recognition of his contributions as a policymaker and legal entrepreneur, as well as his work at the intersection of law, technology, development, and public policy, Kumar received the Youth Inspiration Award in 2017.

On 22 December 2021, Kumar was unanimously appointed as the convenor of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet. He is also a founding member of the Formosa Club Indo-Pacific chapter and serves as the co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).

Sujeet Kumar's unwavering commitment to the welfare of tribal communities in Odisha is reflected in his transformative initiatives aimed at empowerment and development. The SDC Cup 2020, a landmark football tournament, brought together over 10,000 tribal youths, showcasing their talents while celebrating their rich cultural heritage. Similarly, his visionary project, the Kalahandi Dialogue, serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together stakeholders to address the unique challenges faced by tribal populations and explore innovative solutions.

Kumar's holistic approach extends to child welfare through the Child-Friendly Constituency initiative, which ensures that the voices and needs of tribal children are actively considered in legislative and developmental processes. These efforts underscore his dedication to creating opportunities that enhance the quality of life for tribal communities, while fostering their cultural identity and inclusion in broader societal progress.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION

Master in Public Administration (MPA), Harvard Univerisity, John F. Kennedy School of Government

2010 - 2011
Awarded the Hauser Centre Fellowship for exemplary public service and leadership potential

Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Sambalpur University.

2004 - 2005
Received the inaugural Skoll Scholarship for Social Entrepreneurship

1998 - 2001

Bachelors of Engineering (BE), Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology

1993 - 1998

PUBLICATION

AI on TRIAL

Released By

SHRI JAGDEEP DHANKAR

Hon'ble Vice-President of India

AI on Trial is a forward-looking and probably the first of its kind project that examines the nexus between AI and legal systems, underlining the pressing requirement for obligation, culpability, and systems of governance. The book carefully covers AI’s key principles, culpability assignment, and legal hurdles throughout seven chapters. In a nutshell, it analyzes biases in AI, basic rights, and the intricacies of intellectual property concerns of AI-generated content, suggesting solutions such as a “Machine-Created Intellectual Assets Act”. The book analyzes AI’s legal personhood, intentionality, and agency, calling on the Turing Test and international approaches. It also addresses models of civil and criminal liability, intermediary duties, and concerns connected to product liability. A significant chapter oﬀers the idea of ‘safe harbour’ for AI, examining its repercussions for innovation and governance. The book finishes by examining AI’s influence on key fields such as healthcare and free speech, supporting equitable and balanced regulation.

Learn More

2024

Elected to Rajya Sabha (second term)

Elected for the second term as a Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath on 17 December 2024

June 2024

Nominated to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, Rajya Sabha

The Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in the Rajya Sabha includes members nominated to preside over sessions in the Chairperson's and Deputy Chairperson's absence, ensuring smooth parliamentary proceedings