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{{Multiple issues|
{{Short description|Indian civil servant (born 1956)}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2020}}{{POV|date=June 2021}}
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{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name               = Amitabh kant
| name             = Amitabh Kant
| office             = 2nd CEO of [[NITI Aayog]]
| office           = [[Sherpa (emissary)|Indian Emissary to the G20 & G7]]
| native_name         =  
| native_name     =
| native_name_lang   = hindi
| native_name_lang = Hindi
| image               = AmitabhKant.jpg
| image           = Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog (33897600400).jpg
| caption             = Kant in April 2017
| caption         = Amitabh Kant at the WTTC Global Summit 2017
| predecessor         = Sindhushree Khullar
| predecessor     = [[Piyush Goyal]]
| successor          =  
| term_start      = 8 July 2022
| termend             =  
| termend         = 16 June 2025
| termstart          = 17 February 2016
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1956|03|01}}
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1956|3|1}}
| birth_place     = [[Varanasi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India
| birth_place         = Varanasi
| death_date       =
| death_date         =  
| death_place     =
| death_place         =  
| nationality     = [[Indian people|Indian]]
| nationality         = India
| spouse           = Ranjeeta Kant
| spouse             = Ranjeeta Kant
| alma_mater       = [[St Stephen's College, Delhi]]<br>[[Delhi University]]<br>[[Jawaharlal Nehru University]]
| alma_mater         = [[University of Delhi]]<br />[[Jawaharlal Nehru University]]
| occupation       = [[Civil servant]]
| occupation         = [[Civil Servant]]
| other_names     =
| other_names         =  
| website          = {{Official website}}
| honorific_suffix    = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| office2          = 2nd [[NITI Aayog|CEO of NITI Aayog]]
| predecessor2    = Sindhushree Khullar
| successor2      = [[Parameswaran Iyer]]
| termstart2      = 17 February 2016
| termend2        = 30 June 2022
}}
}}


'''Amitabh Kant''' is an IAS officer of the 1980 batch. As of June 2019, he is the chief executive officer of [[NITI Aayog]] (National Institution for Transforming India).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/startups/indias-startup-movement-is-fast-gaining-momentum-amitabh-kant/60065648|title=India's startup movement is fast gaining momentum: Amitabh Kant|last=www.ETtech.com|website=ETtech.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> NITI is a government institution for catalysing economic development.
'''Amitabh Kant''' (born 1 March 1956) is a retired 1980 batch [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] officer who<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-29 |title=NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant's tenure extended by one year |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kants-tenure-extended-by-one-year/article35044982.ece |access-date=2021-07-23 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> served as [[2023 G20 New Delhi summit|India's G20]] [[Sherpa (emissary)|Sherpa]] from 8 July 2022 till 16 June 2025<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Harikishan |title=The face behind India's G20 prep: Sherpa Amitabh Kant |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/the-face-behind-indias-g20-prep-sherpa-amitabh-kant-8930861/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |publisher=The Indian Express |date=10 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-16 |title=Amitabh Kant resigns as India's G20 Sherpa, ending 45-year govt career |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/amitabh-kant-resigns-g20-sherpa-10069431/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and as the chief executive officer of [[NITI Aayog]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/startups/indias-startup-movement-is-fast-gaining-momentum-amitabh-kant/60065648|title=India's startup movement is fast gaining momentum: Amitabh Kant|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=15 August 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> a [[public policy]] [[think tank]] of the [[Government of India]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Amitabh Kant was born on 1 March 1956. He first studied at [[Modern School (New Delhi)|Modern School, Delhi]]. He graduated with a degree in economics (Hons.) from [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi]]<ref name="St. Alumni">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/did-you-know-these-6-top-office-holders-in-india-went-to-the-same-college-1411307-2018-12-17|title=Did you know these 6 top office holders in India went to the same college? |work=India Today|date=17 December 2018}}</ref> and earned an M.A from [[Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi|Jawaharlal Nehru University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chief Executive Officer|url=http://niti.gov.in/team-niti/profile-ceo-niti-aayog}}</ref>
Amitabh Kant was born on 1 March 1956. He first studied at [[Modern School (New Delhi)|Modern School, Delhi]], graduated with a degree in Economics (Hons.) from [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi]]<ref name="St. Alumni">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/did-you-know-these-6-top-office-holders-in-india-went-to-the-same-college-1411307-2018-12-17|title=Did you know these 6 top office holders in India went to the same college? |work=India Today|date=17 December 2018}}</ref> and earned an M.A. in International Relations from [[Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi|Jawaharlal Nehru University]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tourism Tales with Amitabh Kant|url=https://www.braingainmag.com/tourism-tales-with-amitabh-kant.htm|access-date=2021-07-23|website=www.braingainmag.com}}</ref> He was a [[Chevening Scholarship|Chevening Scholar]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chief Executive Officer|url=http://niti.gov.in/team-niti/profile-ceo-niti-aayog}}</ref>


He attended [[Alliance Manchester Business School|Manchester Business School]] on a [[Chevening Scholarship]].
==Career==
 
Later, he attended the Mid-career Program at [[Harvard University]]'s [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]], and [[Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad|Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}}


Amitabh Kant is married to Ranjeeta Kant; they have two daughters Vedica and Vanshica.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/the-informer/sunny-side-up/articleshow/72448908.cms|title=Sunny side up|date=10 December 2019|work=Pune Mirror|access-date=29 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kant began his [[Indian Administrative Service]] career in the [[Kerala]] cadre, working as sub collector of [[Thalassery]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reviving Nostalgic Memories: DIPP secretary Amitabh Kant's journey to Tellicherry, his first posting |url=http://www.babusofindia.com/2015/03/reviving-nostalgic-memories-what-dipp.html |access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> where he carried out infrastructural work such as widening roads, removing encroachments, relocating the town's fish market from the town-centre to the beach area and initiating the Tellicherry Carnival for communal harmony.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bansal |first1=Rashmi |title=Shine Bright |date=20 May 2019 |publisher=Westland |pages=292 |url=https://pdfcoffee.com/shine-bright-rashmi-bansal-pdf-free.html |access-date=4 April 2024}}</ref>


==Career==
After his tenure in Tellicherry, Kant was appointed as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Special |first1=Correspondent |title=With another extension as Niti Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant remains influential policymaker |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/with-another-extension-as-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-remains-influential-policymaker/article35051260.ece |access-date=23 April 2024 |work=30 June 2021 |agency=The Hindu}}</ref> known as '[[Matsyafed]]'. In this role, he is credited with introducing fibreglass boats and outboard motor technology in the fisheries sector, as well as launching beach-level auctions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cover Story |url=https://www.bindugopalrao.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Amitabh-Kant.pdf |website=bindugopalrao |publisher=Hotelier India Awards 2022 |access-date=23 April 2024}}</ref>
Amitabh Kant is the CEO of [[NITI Aayog]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hand-over-schools-colleges-jails-to-private-sector-amitabh-kant/articleshow/59782227.cms|title=Hand over schools, colleges, jails to private sector: Amitabh Kant |date=July 27, 2017|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> He is a member of the [[Indian Administrative Service]], [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] (Kerala Cadre: 1980 batch). He is the author of ''Branding India – An Incredible Story'', ''The Path Ahead: Transformative Ideas for India'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rupapublications.co.in/books/the-path-ahead-transformative-ideas-for-india|title=The Path Ahead: Transformative Ideas for India|date=July 27, 2017|website=Rupa Publications|language=en|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> and ''Incredible India 2.0- Synergies for Growth and Governance''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/book-review-incredible-india-2-0-synergies-for-growth-and-governance-words-of-hope/1861348/ |title=Book Review- Incredible India 2.0: Synergies for Growth and Governance; Words of hope |work=Financial Express |last=Bhattacharya |first=Amitabha |date=February 9, 2020 |access-date=January 13, 2021}}</ref>


India Today, in its 45th Anniversary special issue, featured Kant as one of the 45 celebrated Indians. In his interview, Kant said that "the Kerala tourism secretary job was seen as a lousy posting, but I took it as an opportunity to showcase God's own country".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/anniversary/story/20210104-the-kerala-tourism-secretary-job-was-seen-as-a-lousy-posting-1753041-2020-12-25 |title=The Kerala tourism secretary job was seen as a lousy posting: Amitabh Kant |work=India Today |last=Punj |first=Shwweta |date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=January 15, 2021}}</ref>
As District Collector of [[Kozhikode]] (Calicut), he played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Calicut airport.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jacob |first1=Rahul |title=Lunch with BS: Amitabh Kant |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/lunch-with-bs-amitabh-kant-116011500618_1.html |access-date=4 April 2024 |agency=Business Standard |publisher=Business Standard |date=16 Jan 2016}}</ref> His efforts included revamping the [[Mananchira|Mananchira Maidan]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=I |first1=Sreenath |title=How Mananchira became the pride of Kozhikode residents |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/in-depth/manorama-news-conclave-2017/2017/06/03/how-mananchira-became-pride-kozhikode-residents.html |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=Malayala Manorama |publisher=OnManorama |date=3 June 2017}}</ref> reconstructing the building of the Kozhikode Public Library and Research Centre,<ref>{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=Library Council takes over Mananchira public library |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/library-council-takes-over-mananchira-public-library/article18664085.ece |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=The Hindu |publisher=The Hindu |date=31 May 2017}}</ref> and organising the 'Malabar Mahotsav' cultural festival.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bansal |first1=Rashmi |title=Shine Bright |date=20 May 2019 |publisher=Westland |pages=292 |url=https://pdfcoffee.com/shine-bright-rashmi-bansal-pdf-free.html |access-date=23 April 2024}}</ref>


Kant was listed as one of the world's 50 most influential people revolutionizing governance by Apolitical, a global government learning platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apolitical.co/agile-50/ |title=Agile 50: the World's 50 Most Influential People Revolutionising Governance |work=Apolitical | access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref>
As Tourism Secretary in Kerala, Kant promoted the state as a tourist destination,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Kerala tourism secretary job was seen as a lousy posting: Amitabh Kant |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/anniversary/story/20210104-the-kerala-tourism-secretary-job-was-seen-as-a-lousy-posting-1753041-2020-12-25 |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> and is credited with popularising the slogan "Kerala: God's Own Country" during his tenure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Harikishan |title=The face behind India's G20 prep: Sherpa Amitabh Kant |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/the-face-behind-indias-g20-prep-sherpa-amitabh-kant-8930861/ |access-date=23 April 2024 |publisher=The Indian Express |date=10 September 2023}}</ref>


Kant has also been Chairman of the Empowered Committee on the transformation of Aspirational Districts Programme of the Government of India, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://niti.gov.in/about-aspirational-districts-programme |title=About The Aspirational Districts Programme|work=NITI Aayog |access-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref> Aspirational Districts are the most geographically far flung and backward districts of India which fared poorly in socio-economic indicators. Professor Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School and Professor Scott Stern of Stanford have said that the Aspirational Districts Programme has the potential to catalyze action throughout India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://competitiveness.in/assessment-aspirational-districts-programme/|title=An Assessment of Aspirational Districts Programme|work=institute for competitiveness| access-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref> The UNDP evaluated the impact of the program over the last three years and concluded that the program is a very successful model of local area development.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/un-arm-s-report-praises-govt-over-aspirational-districts-programme-101623445712970.html |title=UN arm’s report praises govt over Aspirational Districts programme|work=Hindustan Times|date=June 12, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref>
After his term in Kerala, Kant was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism in 2001, where he stayed till 2007.<ref>{{cite news |title=The making of an incredible story |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/the-making-of-an-incredible-story-50444-2009-06-20 |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=India Today Group |publisher=India Today |date=21 June 2009}}</ref> During this time, he conceived the 'Incredible India' campaign through [[Ogilvy and Mather]], intending to transform India into a sought-after tourist destination.<ref>{{cite news |title=How a punishment posting for Amitabh Kant gave birth to Incredible India campaign|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/advertising-news/how-a-punishment-posting-for-amitabh-kant-gave-birth-to-incredible-india-campaign-122240.html |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=exchange4media |publisher=exchange4media |date=6 September 2022}}</ref> He also conceptualised and executed the 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God) campaign to train taxi drivers, tourist guides and immigration officials.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amitabh Kant gets two-year extension as Niti Aayog CEO |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/amitabh-kant-gets-two-year-extension-as-niti-aayog-ceo/articleshow/69958604.cms |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=Times of India |publisher=Times of India |date=26 June 2019}}</ref>


In addition to his current role as the CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant serves as a Director in the board of the National Highways Authority of India, Member of the Digital Communications Commission of India, Director of the Board of the India International Convention Centre, member of the National Statistical Commission of India, Member of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) and the Chairman of the Executive Council of the National Institute of Labour Economics, Research and Development. In the past, Amitabh Kant has worked as Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Chairman & CEO, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corporation, CMD – ITDC, Joint Secretary – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Secretary – Tourism, Government of Kerala, Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, District Collector, Kozikhode and Managing Director, Matsyafed. In Kerala, he also served as the Sub Collector of Telicherry, Commissioner of Rural Development and as Principal Secretary and Special Commissioner (Industries). During his tenure in Kerala he structured the Calicut Airport as a private sector project based on User’s Free and developed the BSES Power Project and Mattanchery Bridge under Private Public Partnership.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.economictimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/from-selling-india-to-building-a-corridor-amitabh-kant-faces-his-biggest-challenge-yet/articleshow/9083426.cms|title=TFrom selling India to building a corridor, Amitabh Kant faces his biggest challenge yet | access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>  He was also responsible for introducing new technology (fiberglass crafts and outboard motor) in the fisheries sector and launching beach level auctions which substantially enhanced returns to traditional fishermen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/events/16/09/brandconnect-delhi/speakers/amitabh-kant|title=Amitabh Kant|website=business.linkedin.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref> He began his IAS career working as sub collector of [[Thalassery]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.babusofindia.com/2015/03/reviving-nostalgic-memories-what-dipp.html|title=Reviving Nostalgic Memories: DIPP secretary Amitabh Kant's journey to Tellicherry, his first posting|last=Team|first=BoI|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref>
Later, as the Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Kant drove initiatives such as "[[Make in India]]", "[[:simple:Startup India Start Up India|Start Up India]]" and "[[Ease of doing business index|Ease of Doing Business]]".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mathur |first1=Nandita |title=Amitabh Kant: The intention is to make India a hub of manufacturing |url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/dxn8eCtZ1VauUiOXShNzHL/Amitabh-Kant--The-intention-is-to-make-India-a-hub-of-manuf.html |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=The Mint |publisher=The Mint |date=15 February 2016}}</ref>


During his role as Joint Secretary Tourism, Government of India and Secretary, Tourism, Government of Kerala, Kant was the key driver of the “[[Make in India]],” [[Startup India]], “[[Incredible India]],” and “[[God’s Own Country]]” initiatives that positioned India and [[Kerala|Kerala State]] as leading manufacturing and tourism destinations.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} These campaigns won several international awards. They employed many activities, including infrastructure development, product enhancement, private-public partnership and positioning and branding. Kerala thereafter became India’s leading tourism destination. {{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}
Kant was CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant gets another extension, till June 2022 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-gets-another-extension-till-june-2022/articleshow/83958576.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=The Economic Times |publisher=The Economic Times |date=29 June 2021}}</ref> During his tenure, he chaired Empowered Group 3 for COVID-19 management and initiated national-level projects like Asset Monetization and National Mission for Transformative Mobility. Additionally, he advocated for natural farming methods.
Kant conceptualized and executed the “Atithi Devo Bhavah” – “God will visit in the form of a Guest" campaign to train taxi drivers, guides, immigration officials and make them stakeholders in the tourism development process.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}. He also served as the National Project Director of the Rural Tourism Project of UNDP which created a paradigm shift in spreading tourism to Indian villages that had skills in handicrafts, handlooms and culture.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}
<ref>{{cite news |last1=Unknown |first1=Surabi |title=A man for all seasons: Here's what makes Amitabh Kant one of India's finest policymakers |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/deep-dive/story/a-man-for-all-seasons-heres-what-makes-amitabh-kant-one-of-indias-finest-policymakers-420904-2024-03-11 |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=Money Control |publisher=Money Control |date=17 March 2024}}</ref> In this role, he drove India's [[Aspirational Districts Programme]] (ADP), aimed at improving the socio-economic indicators of 112 of India's most backwards districts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chatterji |first1=Saubhadra |title=UN arm's report praises govt over Aspirational Districts programme |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/un-arm-s-report-praises-govt-over-aspirational-districts-programme-101623445712970.html |access-date=23 April 2024 |agency=Hindustan Times |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=12 June 2021}}</ref>


As Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), he was responsible for formulation and implementation of industrial policy and strategies for industrial development, monitoring the industrial growth and performance of specific industrial sectors, formulation of [[foreign direct investment]] (FDI) policy and FDI promotion and facilitation. Related policies covered [[intellectual property]] rights relating to patents, trademarks, industrial design and geographical Indications.  He was also responsible for promotion of productivity, quality and technical cooperation.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}. During his tenure, he vigorously drove the Ease of Doing Business initiative and ranking of States on outcome parameters. These initiatives have led to India making a quantum jump in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Index and enabled Indian States to compete in the spirit of competitive federalism.
He served as India's [[G20]] Sherpa to Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] from 8 July 2022 till 16 June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-08 |title=Amitabh Kant set to be India's G20 sherpa |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amitabh-kant-set-to-be-india-s-g20-sherpa-101657220476643.html |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>


Kant is also involved in various initiatives of the World Economic Forum. He is on the Global Advisory Board, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network. He is a Steering Committee Member of the EDISON Alliance which is focused on bridging the digital divide. He is also on the Board of Stewards, Advanced Manufacturing and Production and is Member of the Regional Action Group on South Asia. He served as Chair of the Regional Strategy Group India from 2017 to 2020.
''India Today's'' High & Mighty rankings of 2019 featured Kant as one of the most powerful people in India under the category of "The Supercrats - India's Top Bureaucrats".<ref>{{cite web |title=The most powerful people of India 2019 - Full list |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/the-most-powerful-people-of-india-2019-full-list-1574021-2019-07-26 |access-date=January 15, 2021 |work=India Today}}</ref>


Kant has received a number of recognitions for his work in the field of governance. He received the Economic Times Policy Change Agent of the Year Award,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/et-awards-2015-dipp-secretary-amitabh-kant-honoured-with-policy-change-agent-award/articleshow/49446050.cms|title=ET Awards 2015: DIPP Secretary Amitabh Kant honoured with "Policy Change Agent" Award | access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> the Bloomberg TV Personality of the year Award,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/news-broadcasting/bloomberg-tv-india-presents-disruptors-awards-2016-160322|title=Bloomberg TV India presents Disruptors award 2016 | access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> the NDTV Administrator of the year Award and the Distinguished Fellowship of the Institute of Directors.  He is the recipient of One Globe Award-2016 for leadership in Transforming Governance for the 21st Century.  He is also the recipient of Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship awarded by the Prime Minister of New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enz.govt.nz/news-and-research/ed-news/sir-edmund-hillary-fellow-praises-new-zealand/|title=Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow praises New Zealand| access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> He is a Member of the Steering Board of “Shaping the Future of Production Systems” of World Economic Forum. He is also the recipient of Golden Peacock Award for Leadership in Economic Transformation-2017.
==Publications==


In December 2020, Kant reportedly attracted controversy after he remarked at a public event that "tough reforms" were "very difficult in the Indian context" as "we are too much of a democracy". The remarks were made at an event hosted by [[Swarajya (magazine)|Swarajya magazine]], and sponsored by Indian mining company, [[Vedanta Limited|Vedanta]]. The comments were widely reported by several news outlets, including the [[Press Trust of India]], ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', ''[[The Indian Express|Indian Express]]'', ''[[Firstpost]]'', and ''[[India Today]]'', and a video of the speech was hosted online by Swarajya magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-09|title=We are too much of a democracy… tough reforms hard: Niti Aayog chief Amitabh Kant's wisdom|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-needs-more-reforms-states-must-take-lead-niti-aayog-ceo-7096894/|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-08|title='Too much of democracy' in India makes it hard to carry out reforms, says NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant - India News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/too-much-of-democracy-in-india-makes-it-hard-to-carry-out-reforms-says-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-9091751.html|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-12-09|title=Tough reforms difficult in India, says Niti Aayog CEO|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tough-reforms-difficult-in-india-says-niti-aayog-ceo/story-SVOEBBRUROfs3sUtGpMiBK.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209033325/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tough-reforms-difficult-in-india-says-niti-aayog-ceo/story-SVOEBBRUROfs3sUtGpMiBK.html|archive-date=9 December 2020|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 8, 2020|title='Too much democracy' makes tough reforms difficult in India, says Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/-too-much-democracy-makes-tough-reforms-difficult-in-india-says-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-1747795-2020-12-08|access-date=2020-12-09|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Swarajya - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvXXqqFxmyI0YFewhOMJqxQ|access-date=2020-12-09|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-08|title='Too Much of Democracy' Making it Difficult to Carry Out Tough Reforms, Says Niti Aayog's Amitabh Kant|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/too-much-of-democracy-making-it-difficult-to-carry-out-reforms-in-india-says-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-3157292.html|access-date=2020-12-09|website=News18|language=en}}</ref>  Kant later denied making the remarks, and ''Hindustan Times'' withdrew their report on the comments.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Scroll Staff|title=Niti Aayog's Kant denies saying India is 'too much of a democracy', Twitter users share event clip|url=https://scroll.in/latest/980656/niti-aayogs-kant-denies-saying-india-is-too-much-of-a-democracy-twitter-users-share-audio-clip|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Hindustan Times withdraws report on Niti Aayog CEO's 'too much democracy' comment|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/12/08/hindustan-times-withdraws-report-on-niti-aayog-ceos-too-much-democracy-comment|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Newslaundry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=This story, sourced from news agency Press Trust of India, has been withdrawn.|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/too-much-of-democracy-hampering-reforms-in-india-says-kant/story-LXmY52Gde5owMsPsdqYojJ.html|access-date=2020-12-09|website=hindustantimes.com|language=en}}</ref> Independent fact checking website [[Alt News]] confirmed that the original news reports had quoted him verbatim and that it was unclear why several publications had removed their stories or changed their headlines.<ref>{{cite web |title="Too much democracy": NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant denies what he stated twice |publisher=[[Alt News]] |date=2020-12-09 |last=Jawed |first=Sam |url=https://www.altnews.in/too-much-democracy-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-denies-what-he-stated-twice/}}</ref> Kant later disputed these reports, claiming that his comments had been misconstrued. "What I said and what has been ascribed to me are poles apart. My statement, with relevant portions, is that India is too much of a democracy to mirror a China model. How this has been misconstrued to mean we have 'too much democracy' is both myopic and idiosyncratic. Let me reiterate — there is nothing ambiguous about what I said. The entire conversation is available in the public domain"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/amitabh-kant-reform-the-indian-way-7100124/ |title=Democracy is the lifeblood of India: A rebuttal by Amitabh Kant |work= The Indian Express | access-date=January 15, 2021}}</ref>
Kant is the author of books ''Branding India-An Incredible Story'', ''Incredible India 2.0'', ''Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise'', ''The Elephant Moves: India's New Place in the World co-authored with Amit Kapoor'' and ''How India scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20''. He is also the editor of ''The Path Ahead- Transformative Ideas for India'' and has written over 500 articles in leading Indian and foreign publications.


''India Today's'' High & Mighty rankings of 2019 featured Kant as one of the most powerful people in India under the category of "The Supercrats - India's Top Bureaucrats" along with other bureaucrats such as [[Nripendra Misra]] and [[Ajit Doval]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/the-most-powerful-people-of-india-2019-full-list-1574021-2019-07-26 |title=The most powerful people of India 2019 - Full list |work= India Today | access-date=January 15, 2021}}</ref>
== Honours ==
* [[File:JPN Kyokujitsu-sho 2Class BAR.svg|55px|ribbon bar]] [[Order of the Rising Sun|The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star]] (2023)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100575204.pdf|title= 令和5年秋の外国人叙勲 受章者名簿|access-date= November 3, 2023|work= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan}}</ref>


==Recognition==
== Controversies ==
He received the Economic Times Policy Change Agent of the Year Award, the [[Bloomberg TV]] Personality of the year Award, the [[NDTV]] Administrator of the year Award and the Distinguished Fellowship of the Institute of Directors. He is the recipient of One Globe Award-2016 for leadership in Transforming Governance for the 21st Century. He is a Member of the Steering Board of “Shaping the Future of Production Systems” of the [[World Economic Forum]]{WEF}.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}
In December 2020, Kant attracted controversy after remarking at a public event, organized by [[Swarajya (magazine)|Swarajya magazine]], that enacting "tough reforms" were hard in India, since it is "too much of a democracy".<ref>{{Cite web |title='Tough Reforms Difficult in India, We Are Too Much of a Democracy,' Says Niti Aayog CEO |url=https://thewire.in/government/tough-reforms-difficult-in-india-we-are-too-much-of-a-democracy-says-niti-aayog-ceo |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Niti Aayog CEO's statement is a warning to the people |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/why-niti-aayog-ceos-statement-is-a-warning-to-the-people/cid/1800650 |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Niti Aayog's Kant denies saying India is 'too much of a democracy', Twitter users share event clip|url=https://scroll.in/latest/980656/niti-aayogs-kant-denies-saying-india-is-too-much-of-a-democracy-twitter-users-share-audio-clip|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Scroll.in|date=8 December 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Hindustan Times withdraws report on Niti Aayog CEO's 'too much democracy' comment|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/12/08/hindustan-times-withdraws-report-on-niti-aayog-ceos-too-much-democracy-comment|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Newslaundry}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Indian Administrative Service officers]]
[[Category:Indian Administrative Service officers]]
[[Category:NITI Aayog members]]

Latest revision as of 15:42, 3 February 2026


Amitabh Kant
Amitabh Kant at the WTTC Global Summit 2017
Indian Emissary to the G20 & G7
In office
8 July 2022 – 16 June 2025
Preceded byPiyush Goyal
2nd CEO of NITI Aayog
In office
17 February 2016 – 30 June 2022
Preceded bySindhushree Khullar
Succeeded byParameswaran Iyer
Personal details
Born (1956-03-01) 1 March 1956 (age 70)
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
NationalityIndian
Spouse(s)Ranjeeta Kant
Alma materSt Stephen's College, Delhi
Delhi University
Jawaharlal Nehru University
OccupationCivil servant
Website{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

Amitabh Kant (born 1 March 1956) is a retired 1980 batch IAS officer who[1] served as India's G20 Sherpa from 8 July 2022 till 16 June 2025[2][3] and as the chief executive officer of NITI Aayog,[4] a public policy think tank of the Government of India.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Amitabh Kant was born on 1 March 1956. He first studied at Modern School, Delhi, graduated with a degree in Economics (Hons.) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi[5] and earned an M.A. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University.[6] He was a Chevening Scholar.[7]

Career[edit | edit source]

Kant began his Indian Administrative Service career in the Kerala cadre, working as sub collector of Thalassery,[8] where he carried out infrastructural work such as widening roads, removing encroachments, relocating the town's fish market from the town-centre to the beach area and initiating the Tellicherry Carnival for communal harmony.[9]

After his tenure in Tellicherry, Kant was appointed as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd,[10] known as 'Matsyafed'. In this role, he is credited with introducing fibreglass boats and outboard motor technology in the fisheries sector, as well as launching beach-level auctions.[11]

As District Collector of Kozhikode (Calicut), he played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Calicut airport.[12] His efforts included revamping the Mananchira Maidan,[13] reconstructing the building of the Kozhikode Public Library and Research Centre,[14] and organising the 'Malabar Mahotsav' cultural festival.[15]

As Tourism Secretary in Kerala, Kant promoted the state as a tourist destination,[16] and is credited with popularising the slogan "Kerala: God's Own Country" during his tenure.[17]

After his term in Kerala, Kant was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism in 2001, where he stayed till 2007.[18] During this time, he conceived the 'Incredible India' campaign through Ogilvy and Mather, intending to transform India into a sought-after tourist destination.[19] He also conceptualised and executed the 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God) campaign to train taxi drivers, tourist guides and immigration officials.[20]

Later, as the Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Kant drove initiatives such as "Make in India", "Start Up India" and "Ease of Doing Business".[21]

Kant was CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022.[22] During his tenure, he chaired Empowered Group 3 for COVID-19 management and initiated national-level projects like Asset Monetization and National Mission for Transformative Mobility. Additionally, he advocated for natural farming methods. [23] In this role, he drove India's Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), aimed at improving the socio-economic indicators of 112 of India's most backwards districts.[24]

He served as India's G20 Sherpa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 8 July 2022 till 16 June 2025.[25]

India Today's High & Mighty rankings of 2019 featured Kant as one of the most powerful people in India under the category of "The Supercrats - India's Top Bureaucrats".[26]

Publications[edit | edit source]

Kant is the author of books Branding India-An Incredible Story, Incredible India 2.0, Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise, The Elephant Moves: India's New Place in the World co-authored with Amit Kapoor and How India scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20. He is also the editor of The Path Ahead- Transformative Ideas for India and has written over 500 articles in leading Indian and foreign publications.

Honours[edit | edit source]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

In December 2020, Kant attracted controversy after remarking at a public event, organized by Swarajya magazine, that enacting "tough reforms" were hard in India, since it is "too much of a democracy".[28][29][30][31]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant's tenure extended by one year". The Hindu. 2021-06-29. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  2. ↑ Sharma, Harikishan (10 September 2023). "The face behind India's G20 prep: Sherpa Amitabh Kant". The Indian Express. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  3. ↑ "Amitabh Kant resigns as India's G20 Sherpa, ending 45-year govt career". The Indian Express. 2025-06-16. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  4. ↑ "India's startup movement is fast gaining momentum: Amitabh Kant". The Economic Times. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  5. ↑ "Did you know these 6 top office holders in India went to the same college?". India Today. 17 December 2018.
  6. ↑ "Tourism Tales with Amitabh Kant". www.braingainmag.com. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  7. ↑ "Chief Executive Officer".
  8. ↑ "Reviving Nostalgic Memories: DIPP secretary Amitabh Kant's journey to Tellicherry, his first posting". Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  9. ↑ Bansal, Rashmi (20 May 2019). Shine Bright. Westland. p. 292. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  10. ↑ Special, Correspondent. "With another extension as Niti Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant remains influential policymaker". 30 June 2021. The Hindu. Retrieved 23 April 2024. {{cite news}}: |first1= has generic name (help)
  11. ↑ "Cover Story" (PDF). bindugopalrao. Hotelier India Awards 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  12. ↑ Jacob, Rahul (16 Jan 2016). "Lunch with BS: Amitabh Kant". Business Standard. Business Standard. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  13. ↑ I, Sreenath (3 June 2017). "How Mananchira became the pride of Kozhikode residents". OnManorama. Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  14. ↑ Staff Reporter (31 May 2017). "Library Council takes over Mananchira public library". The Hindu. The Hindu. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  15. ↑ Bansal, Rashmi (20 May 2019). Shine Bright. Westland. p. 292. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  16. ↑ "The Kerala tourism secretary job was seen as a lousy posting: Amitabh Kant". Retrieved 2023-03-06.
  17. ↑ Sharma, Harikishan (10 September 2023). "The face behind India's G20 prep: Sherpa Amitabh Kant". The Indian Express. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  18. ↑ "The making of an incredible story". India Today. India Today Group. 21 June 2009. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  19. ↑ "How a punishment posting for Amitabh Kant gave birth to Incredible India campaign". exchange4media. exchange4media. 6 September 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  20. ↑ "Amitabh Kant gets two-year extension as Niti Aayog CEO". Times of India. Times of India. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  21. ↑ Mathur, Nandita (15 February 2016). "Amitabh Kant: The intention is to make India a hub of manufacturing". The Mint. The Mint. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  22. ↑ "Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant gets another extension, till June 2022". The Economic Times. The Economic Times. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  23. ↑ Unknown, Surabi (17 March 2024). "A man for all seasons: Here's what makes Amitabh Kant one of India's finest policymakers". Money Control. Money Control. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  24. ↑ Chatterji, Saubhadra (12 June 2021). "UN arm's report praises govt over Aspirational Districts programme". Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  25. ↑ "Amitabh Kant set to be India's G20 sherpa". Hindustan Times. 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  26. ↑ "The most powerful people of India 2019 - Full list". India Today. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  27. ↑ "令和5年秋の外国人叙勲 受章者名簿" (PDF). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  28. ↑ "'Tough Reforms Difficult in India, We Are Too Much of a Democracy,' Says Niti Aayog CEO". The Wire. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
  29. ↑ "Why Niti Aayog CEO's statement is a warning to the people". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
  30. ↑ "Niti Aayog's Kant denies saying India is 'too much of a democracy', Twitter users share event clip". Scroll.in. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-09.
  31. ↑ "Hindustan Times withdraws report on Niti Aayog CEO's 'too much democracy' comment". Newslaundry. Retrieved 2020-12-09.

External links[edit | edit source]

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