Hubbry Logo
Pankaj ChaudharyPankaj ChaudharyMain
Open search
Pankaj Chaudhary
Community hub
Pankaj Chaudhary
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Pankaj Chaudhary
Pankaj Chaudhary
Pankaj Chaudhary
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

About

[edit]

Pankaj Chaudhary (born 20 November[1] 1964) is an Indian politician who currently serves as the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. He is also a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, representing the Maharajganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh for the seventh term.[2] Chaudhary is affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Early life and family

[edit]

Born in Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary graduated from Gorakhpur University. Born to Bhagwati Prasad Chaudhary[3] and Ujjwal Chaudhary, he comes from a political background, with his mother, Ujjwal Chaudhary, having served as the Maharajganj District Panchayat President.[4] Pankaj Chaudhary is married to Bhagya Shree Chaudhary, with whom he has two children.

His political career began at the local level when he served as a Member of the Municipal Corporation in Gorakhpur from 1989 to 1991. During this period, he also held the position of Deputy Mayor[5] of the Municipal Corporation in Gorakhpur from 1990 to 1991. His leadership abilities were quickly recognized, and he was appointed Deputy Mayor of Gorakhpur during the same period. In 1990, Chaudhary became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Working Committee,[6] further solidifying his political affiliation.

Politics

[edit]

He was first elected to the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991 and then to the 11th Lok Sabha in 1996 and the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998. However, he lost to Akhilesh Singh of the Samajwadi Party in the 1999 General elections. He later won the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

In 2009, he lost again to the Indian National Congress candidate Harsh Vardhan from Maharajganj. In 2014, he won from the same constituency and is now a member of 16th Lok Sabha.[7]

He became Union Minister of State (Finance) in Second Modi ministry after the Cabinet reshuffle.[8]

Re-elected to 18th Lok Sabha(7th term) June 2024 and Joined 11 June 2024 as Union Minister of State for Finance, Ministry of Finance, Govt of India.[9]

Positions held

[edit]

Source[10]

  • 1989–91: Member, Municipal Corporation, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
  • 1990–91: Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
  • 1990 onwards Member, Working Committee, Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J.P.)
  • 1991: Elected to 10th Lok Sabha
  • 1991–96: Member, Committee on Papers Laid on the Table & Member, Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests
  • 1996 : Re-elected to 11th Lok Sabha (2nd term)
  • 1996–97: Member, Committee on Communications & Member, Joint Committee on Offices of Profit
  • 1998 : Re-elected to 12th Lok Sabha (3rd term)
  • 1998–99: Member, Committee on Railways; Member, Committee on Petitions & Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • 2004 : Re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha (4th term)

Member, Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests Member, Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme Member, Committee on Tourism

  • 2007 onwards Member, Committee on MPLADS
  • 2014 : Re-elected to 16th Lok Sabha (5th term)
  • 2019 : Re-elected to 17th Lok Sabha (6th term)
  • 2021 - 9 June 2024: Minister of State, Ministry of Finance.
  • 11 June 2024:Union Ministers of State for Ministry of Finance.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pankaj Chaudhary

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Pankaj Chaudhary (born 20 November 1964) is an Indian politician and seven-term member of the from , representing the . He serves as the for Finance in the , overseeing departments related to expenditure, financial services, and revenue. First elected to the in 1991, Chaudhary has maintained a consistent parliamentary presence, contributing to committees on railways, science and technology, and public undertakings. Prior to his national roles, he held local positions including membership in the and as deputy mayor from 1990 to 1991. A graduate of Gorakhpur University with a background in business, Chaudhary's career reflects sustained electoral success in eastern , securing victories in multiple terms including 1991, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2014, 2019, and 2024.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Upbringing

Pankaj Chaudhary was born on 20 November 1964 in , , to Late Shri Bhagwati Prasad Chaudhary and Smt. Ujjwal Chaudhary. His family originates from the community, which has deep ties to agriculture and landownership in rural , reflecting a background shaped by the region's agrarian economy. This setting in , a district with a predominantly agricultural populace and historical emphasis on local community structures, provided the context for his formative years amid everyday concerns of rural livelihoods and development.

Academic and Professional Background

Pankaj Chaudhary holds a degree from Gorakhpur University in , . This undergraduate qualification provided foundational knowledge in arts and social sciences, though specifics of his coursework or graduation year are not publicly detailed in official records. Before entering politics in the late , Chaudhary was involved in industrial and agricultural sectors, accumulating hands-on experience in business operations and rural economic activities in . These engagements likely honed his understanding of practical , , and agrarian challenges, which later informed his parliamentary focus on . No formal corporate roles or specific enterprises are documented in verified sources, but his pre-political pursuits emphasized self-reliant entrepreneurial efforts typical of regional business families.

Political Career

Entry into Politics and BJP Affiliation

Pankaj Chaudhary initially entered local politics as an independent in the in 1989, securing election to the body before serving as its deputy mayor from 1990 to 1991. Following this grassroots experience in municipal governance, he aligned with the (BJP) amid the party's growing influence in during the early , a period marked by its mobilization around and opposition to the then-dominant Congress-led inefficiencies in . His affiliation with the BJP reflected a commitment to its ideological framework, emphasizing and addressing concerns in Hindu-majority rural constituencies of eastern , such as Maharajganj, through organizational strengthening rather than immediate electoral bids. In 1991, Chaudhary was inducted into the BJP's Working Committee at the state level, where he contributed to internal party operations, including coordination of membership expansion efforts in and surrounding areas to build a cadre-based network. This early role underscored his dedication to the party's first-principles approach to , prioritizing and agricultural reforms over the patronage-driven models prevalent in opposition parties at the time.

Electoral History

Pankaj Chaudhary entered by winning the Maharajganj Lok Sabha constituency in the 1991 general election as a candidate, marking his first term in the . He secured re-election from the same seat in 1996 for the and again in 1998 for the , demonstrating early consistency in the region. However, he faced defeat in the 1999 election, reflecting national setbacks for the BJP-led amid coalition instability and economic concerns. Chaudhary reclaimed the seat in the 2004 for the but lost in 2009 to a candidate, a outcome aligned with broader voter shifts in Uttar Pradesh's region toward the amid perceptions of governance failures under the prior NDA administration. His return came in 2014, where he won with 471,542 votes against the Samajwadi Party's Kashi Nath Shukla, benefiting from the BJP's national resurgence driven by and development narratives. Subsequent victories in 2019 and 2024 solidified his hold, with over 700,000 votes in 2019 underscoring consolidated support in a constituency of approximately 1.9 million electors, and 726,349 votes in 2024 against the Samajwadi Party's Virendra Chaudhary. These results highlight increasing vote shares for Chaudhary post-2014, correlated with constituency-level emphasis on infrastructure and economic promises rather than caste-based mobilization, amid Uttar Pradesh's overall shift toward the BJP in general elections.

Parliamentary Roles and Committees

Chaudhary has held memberships in multiple parliamentary committees across his terms in the , focusing on oversight of government policies, public expenditures, and sectoral development. During the (2004-2009), he served on the Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, where he contributed to the review of environmental policies and technological advancements. He also participated in the Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) starting 7 August 2007, aiding in the scrutiny of utilization. In subsequent terms, Chaudhary's committee roles extended to fiscal and infrastructural oversight. From 14 August 2014 to 30 April 2016, he was a member of the , which examines the performance and financial accountability of public sector enterprises, emphasizing efficiency and reduced wasteful expenditure. He further served on the Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests from 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2018, continuing advocacy for balanced environmental regulation that supports without undue regulatory burdens. Additional roles included the Standing Committee on Railways (1998-1999, 2018-2019, and 2019-2021) and the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (2016-2019), where he reviewed projects and mechanisms, promoting reforms aligned with pro-market policies. These committee engagements underscore Chaudhary's involvement in parliamentary scrutiny of and implementation, with a record of participation in deliberations on fiscal responsibility and sectoral reforms, as noted in official parliamentary records. Prior to his ministerial appointments, his interventions supported bills enhancing and environmental , drawing on empirical assessments of impacts.

Ministerial Positions

Appointment as Minister of State for Finance

Pankaj Chaudhary was inducted as for Finance on 7 July 2021 during a cabinet expansion by in his second term, as part of the (NDA) government. This appointment came shortly after his re-election to the from the Maharajganj constituency in in the 2019 general elections, marking his second term as a (MP) from that seat. Chaudhary's elevation reflected his established position as a multi-term MP representing the (BJP), having secured victories in the constituency since 2014, alongside his pre-political career as a with involvement in industrial and agricultural enterprises. These factors contributed to his selection for a role requiring familiarity with economic and financial issues, building on his parliamentary service that included membership in oversight committees. He assumed charge of the position on 9 July 2021 in . Within the , Chaudhary's portfolio encompassed oversight of the Department of Financial Services, responsible for banking and regulation, and the Department of Public Enterprises, focused on state-owned enterprises.

Key Responsibilities and Contributions

As for , Pankaj Chaudhary holds oversight responsibilities in the Department of Revenue and Department of Expenditure, encompassing enforcement against economic offenders, administration, budget execution, and implementation. His role involves addressing banking sector challenges, insurance regulation, and revenue mobilization, contributing to the government's efforts in sustaining amid global uncertainties, with India's real GDP projected at 9.1% for 2021-22 and 7% for 2022-23 during early tenure phases. Chaudhary has advanced indirect tax reforms through Tax (GST) adjustments, including new slabs introduced in 2025 that reduce burdens on common consumers, small traders, and MSMEs by rationalizing rates on essential goods while retaining higher levies on sin items like . These GST 2.0 measures, described by Chaudhary as a "major transformation," aim to enhance compliance, boost market consumption, and stimulate domestic economy, with expected impacts visible in 4-6 months via increased . He has also supported budget implementations, moving the Finance Bill 2025 in and affirming no anticipated revenue shortfalls for 2025-26, aligning with fiscal deficit targets. In combating fugitive economic offenders, Chaudhary has emphasized accountability, hailing the April 14, 2025, arrest of in —a key figure in the —as a "significant milestone" and "very big achievement" in India's crackdown, facilitating potential and asset recovery. Under related frameworks like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, over ₹15,113 crore has been recovered from fugitives including , , and Choksi by August 2023, with assets worth ₹19,111.20 crore attached by March 2022, reflecting improved enforcement efficiency during his oversight. While opposition critiques have targeted broader fiscal policies for potential delays in relief distribution, growth metrics—such as 7.6% GDP expansion in Q2 FY24—indicate resilience, with Chaudhary attributing sustained momentum to structural reforms despite external pressures.

Personal Life

Family and Personal Interests

Pankaj Chaudhary is married to Bhagya Shree Chaudhary, with the wedding taking place on 11 June 1990. The couple has two children: a named Rohan Chaudhary and a named Shruti Chaudhary. Chaudhary's personal interests include reading books and practicing . He maintains an active involvement in sports, with particular enthusiasm for and , having served as president of the District Badminton Association in Maharajganj. Additionally, he enjoys , carrom, and , and holds life membership in the .

Assets and Financial Disclosures

Pankaj Chaudhary declared total assets worth ₹41.90 in his 2024 Lok Sabha election , comprising ₹36.14 in immovable properties and ₹5.76 in movable assets across himself, his , and Hindu Undivided Family (HUF). Immovable assets include 11 acres of valued at ₹2.79 , non-agricultural land at ₹9.40 , residential buildings at ₹9.11 (self), a residential plot at ₹7.15 and commercial building at ₹4.80 (), and commercial and residential properties under HUF totaling ₹2.89 . Movable assets encompass bank deposits, shares, , and loans/advances receivable, with notable holdings in shares (e.g., ₹22.80 self) and business-related advances exceeding ₹1.70 (self) and ₹2.95 (). He serves as director of Harbans Ram Bhagwan Das, a firm reflecting industrial stakes tied to interests in the region. Liabilities stood at ₹3.82 crore, primarily bank loans (₹3.23 crore on spouse) and individual loans, yielding a net worth of approximately ₹38.08 crore. Income for 2022-23 was reported as ₹12.28 lakh (self, from MP salary, interest, and business), ₹48.82 lakh (spouse, from directorship salary, rental, interest, and business), and ₹16.18 lakh (HUF), indicating asset values driven largely by property appreciation and prior accumulations rather than recent earnings. Asset growth from 2019 (₹37.18 ) to 2024 totaled ₹4.72 , or 13%, correlating with his tenure as MP since 2014 but remaining below the 43% average increase for 324 re-contesting MPs (from ₹21.55 average in 2019). This modest rise aligns with empirical patterns of property value increments in , without evidence of disproportionate gains relative to public service. Disclosures adhere to requirements under the Representation of the People Act, with no verified criticisms or discrepancies noted in public records.

References

  1. https://sansad.in/ls/members/biography/3479?from=members
  2. https://financialservices.gov.in/beta/en/minister/shri-pankaj-chaudhary
  3. https://v2.india.gov.in/directory/whos-who/ministers-details?mpno=3479&house=loksabha&p=council-of-minister
  4. https://politicianinfo.in/pankaj-choudhary/
  5. https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/pankaj-chaudhary-76518.html
  6. https://dipam.gov.in/state-minister-pankaj-chaudhary
  7. https://www.etnownews.com/success-stories/meet-pankaj-chaudhary-mos-finance-a-look-at-his-career-education-early-life-family-and-more-article-117814516
  8. https://www.business-standard.com/about/who-is-pankaj-chaudhary
  9. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-3-0-council-of-ministers-seven-time-bjp-mp-pankaj-chaudhary-takes-oath-as-mos/articleshow/110850049.cms
  10. https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pankaj-choudhary-from-civic-body-member-to-six-time-mp/articleshow/84206901.cms
  11. https://www.lokmattimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-election-2019/uttar-pradesh/maharajganj/previous-result/
  12. https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/article/maharajganj-up-election-2019-maharajganj-election-results-candidates-voter-population-polling-percentage/415225
  13. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-constituencies/uttar-pradesh/maharajganj
  14. https://resultuniversity.com/election/maharajganj-uttar-pradesh-lok-sabha
  15. http://dea.gov.in/our-teams/shri-pankaj-chaudhary
  16. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2024351
  17. https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1734172
  18. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/pankaj-chaudhary-takes-charge-as-minister-of-state-for-finance/articleshow/84266228.cms
  19. https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy-pankaj-chaudhary-takes-charge-as-minister-of-state-for-finance-2287185/
  20. https://dpe.gov.in/shri-pankaj-chaudhary-mos
  21. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1906546
  22. https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/indicators/indian-economy-has-ability-to-sustain-fast-growth-despite-global-turmoil-finance-ministry/articleshow/105908585.cms
  23. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/new-gst-slabs-to-ease-burden-on-common-man-small-traders-msmes-mos-finance-pankaj-chaudhary/
  24. https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/policy/gst-reforms-will-boost-market-purchasing-and-economy-mos-pankaj-chaudhary/articleshow/124213834.cms
  25. https://investmentguruindia.com/newsdetail/major-gst-reform-to-benefit-all-sections-of-society-union-mos-for-finance-pankaj-chaudhary-459035
  26. https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/finance/govt-does-not-foresee-revenue-shortfall-aims-to-achieve-deficit-target-mos-finance/articleshow/122836067.cms
  27. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/significant-milestone-mos-finance-pankaj-chaudhary-on-mehul-choksis-arrest-in-belgium/articleshow/120270405.cms
  28. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/centre-reacts-to-mehul-choksi-s-arrest-very-big-achievement-12993161.html
  29. https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2023/Aug/01/rs-15000-crores-recovered-from-economic-fugitives-including-vijay-mallya-nirav-modi-centre-2600878.html
  30. https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/assets-worth-rs-19111-20-cr-of-vijay-mallya-nirav-modi-and-mehul-choksi-attached/90376086
  31. https://starsunfolded.com/pankaj-chaudhary/
  32. https://www.indiapress.org/election/archives/lok11/biodata/11up58.php
  33. https://www.myneta.info/LokSabha2024/candidate.php?candidate_id=8774
  34. https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/india/lok-sabha-elections-2024-average-increase-of-43-in-assets-of-324-mps-recontesting-polls-adr-report-shows-3043337
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.