Jaipur, May 6, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): A government workshop organised for departmental discussions took an unexpected turn after Food and Civil Supplies Department Secretary Ambrish Kumar (IAS) directed officials to join private organisations, including Isha Foundation and Landmark Forum.
The one-day workshop, held on May 5 at the Agriculture Research Centre auditorium in Durgapura, saw participation from over 300 officials, including district supply officers, enforcement officers and inspectors from across the state.
According to sources, the session began as a routine departmental meeting. However, shortly after it started, motivational speakers associated with the two private organisations conducted sessions highlighting the benefits of their programmes. Officials were also instructed to enrol in paid courses ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 26,000.
The workshop order was issued on May 3 by Deputy Commissioner Sunil Poonia. The circular only mentioned that a one-day workshop would be held to discuss departmental issues and did not specify any agenda. Many officials present were reportedly surprised when sessions related to the private organisations began.
It is also learnt that a social media group was created during the workshop, where messages related to joining the foundation were shared with participants.
When contacted, Secretary Ambrish Kumar stated that it was an internal departmental meeting and declined to disclose details of the discussions.
Officials present said that after a brief discussion on departmental matters, detailed presentations were given about the courses offered by the organisations, including the registration process, fee structure and perceived benefits.
Ambrish Kumar, a 2004-batch IAS officer, had previously served as Project Director at Isha Foundation in 2020.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
