Amitabh Kant, a retired IAS officer of the 1980 batch from the Kerala cadre, announced his resignation from the post of G20 Sherpa on Monday.
New Delhi: Amitabh Kant, a renowned Indian administrator and policymaker, resigned from his post as G20 Sherpa on Monday. He announced this via an emotional LinkedIn post titled 'My New Journey'. A retired IAS officer of the 1980 batch from the Kerala cadre, Kant has decided to embark on a new chapter after completing 45 years of government service.
His journey extended beyond administrative roles; he played a leading part in several policy decisions shaping India's economic and social development. His accomplishments range from India's G20 presidency to the NITI Aayog and campaigns like 'Incredible India'.
Leading India's Historic G20 Presidency
Amitabh Kant was appointed India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, when India assumed the presidency of the global group. In this role, he led communication and coordination for India on the international stage. His tenure saw India's G20 presidency widely recognized as the most inclusive, decisive, and development-oriented globally.
He highlighted achieving global consensus on the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, including the African Union as a G20 member, and prioritizing issues like digital public infrastructure, women's empowerment, and climate finance as key diplomatic successes for India.
He noted that holding G20 meetings across all states and union territories fostered cooperative federalism and showcased local culture, crafts, and cuisine on a global platform.
Laying the Foundation for Transformation at NITI Aayog
From 2016 to 2022, Amitabh Kant served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog. During this time, he initiated several transformative schemes and campaigns aimed at driving India towards innovation and sustainable development.
He spearheaded the Aspirational Districts Programme, focusing on uplifting 115 of India's most backward districts based on socio-economic indicators. Furthermore, he strived to establish India as a global hub for green technology and startups through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, Green Hydrogen Mission, Atal Innovation Mission, and Advanced Chemistry Cell.
Crucial Role in Industrial Reforms
Before NITI Aayog, Kant served as Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (formerly DIPP). Under his leadership, significant improvements were made in simplifying business processes. He spearheaded campaigns like 'Make in India' and 'Startup India,' which now form the backbone of India's economic growth.
These initiatives promoted domestic production, attracted investment, and expanded employment opportunities.
Rebranding Tourism
Amitabh Kant's contributions extended beyond economic policies; he played a significant role in giving Indian tourism global recognition. During his tenure as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, he launched the 'Incredible India' campaign, a crucial effort to showcase India's cultural and geographical diversity worldwide.
This campaign not only boosted tourism but also strengthened India's global image.
From Kerala to the Center
Early in his career, Kant held administrative responsibilities in Kerala. Here, he launched the 'God's Own Country' campaign, now a part of Kerala's global branding. He made significant contributions to the expansion of Calicut Airport, uplifting fishermen and women, and working closely with local communities.
He stated that Kerala provided him with valuable administrative insights, which he endeavored to incorporate into central policies.
