After an illustrious career spanning 45 years in public service, Amitabh Kant has officially stepped down as India’s G20 Sherpa. The veteran bureaucrat, who played a pivotal role in India’s successful G20 Presidency in 2023, announced his decision to embark on a new chapter, focusing on supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions across the country.
Kant’s resignation marks the end of a distinguished tenure in government, during which he held various influential positions, including CEO of NITI Aayog and Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (now DPIIT). His leadership was instrumental in driving key national initiatives such as Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and Startup India, significantly contributing to India’s rise in global rankings.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media platforms, Kant expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the trust reposed in him to spearhead critical developmental initiatives. He highlighted India’s G20 Presidency as a significant milestone, noting the achievement of a unanimous consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration despite complex global challenges, and the successful inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.
“After 45 years of dedicated service to the Government, I have decided to embrace new opportunities and begin a new chapter,” Kant stated. “I now look forward to contributing to India’s transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating and supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions.”
Throughout his career, Kant has been a vocal advocate for innovation and economic reform. As CEO of NITI Aayog, he championed programs like the Aspirational Districts Programme and the Atal Innovation Mission, and played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for India’s digital public infrastructure. He was also deeply involved in policy efforts related to the Green Hydrogen Mission and Advanced Chemistry Cells, positioning India as a leader in innovation and climate action. His early career in Kerala saw him conceptualize the iconic ‘God’s Own Country’ campaign for tourism, followed by the ‘Incredible India’ campaign at the national level.
Industry watchers and policymakers alike are keenly awaiting details of Kant’s new ventures, anticipating that his vast experience and deep understanding of India’s economic landscape will be a significant asset to the burgeoning startup ecosystem and the broader agenda of free enterprise. His transition signals a renewed commitment to fostering growth and innovation from outside the traditional government framework, aiming to further propel India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
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Key Highlights:
- Amitabh Kant has resigned as India’s G20 Sherpa after 45 years of public service, including significant roles as CEO of NITI Aayog.
- He will now focus on supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions to contribute to India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
- Kant played a crucial role in India’s successful G20 Presidency, securing consensus on the New Delhi Declaration and the African Union’s inclusion, and spearheaded initiatives like Make in India and Startup India.
- His move is seen as a strategic shift to leverage his expertise to foster innovation and economic growth from outside government.