Key Points

Amitabh Kant has resigned as G20 Sherpa after 45 years in government service. He now aims to support startups, free enterprise, and think tanks. Kant played a key role in India’s G20 presidency and policy reforms like Make in India. His legacy includes transformative initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme.

Key Points: Amitabh Kant Steps Down as G20 Sherpa to Back Startups and Free Enterprise

  • Kant led India’s G20 Presidency and AU inclusion
  • Championed Aspirational Districts Programme
  • Drove Ease of Doing Business and Make in India
  • Launched Incredible India campaign
3 min read

Amitabh Kant steps down as G20 Sherpa, to now support free enterprise, startups

After 45 years in government, Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa to focus on startups, free enterprise, and India’s Viksit Bharat vision.

"After 45 years of dedicated government service, I now look forward to supporting free enterprise and startups. – Amitabh Kant"

New Delhi, June 16

Amitabh Kant on Monday announced his decision to step down as the G20 Sherpa. His resignation comes after 45 years of "dedicated government service" in various roles as G20 Sherpa, CEO of NITI Aayog, Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion, among others.

In a post on social media platforms X and LinkedIn titled “My New Journey", Kant said that he now aims to “support free enterprise, startups and think tanks".

"After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life. I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister of India for accepting my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for having given me the opportunity to drive a range of developmental initiatives and contribute to the growth, development, and progress of India,” Kant shared on X.

While praising his colleagues, peers and friends, he stated that he “now looks forward to contributing to India’s transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating and supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions”.

Kant said that leading India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 was “a significant milestone” in his career.

"India’s G20 presidency was people-centric and inclusive, with meetings held across all states and union territories. This strengthened cooperative federalism, celebrated local culture, and upgraded infrastructure nationwide,” he said in a post on LinkedIn.

He also highlighted the successful inclusion of the African Union in the G20, which fulfilled India’s commitment to global equity and the voice of the Global South.

Further, as the CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant said he led “path-breaking programmes such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, which transformed lives of common citizens in 115 of India’s most underdeveloped districts”.

His tenure also laid the “foundations for India’s digital public infrastructure and pushed policy reforms across sectors -- ranging from manufacturing through PLI schemes to innovation through the Atal Innovation Mission and sustainability through the Green Hydrogen Mission and Advanced Chemistry Cells”.

As the Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion, he played a significant role in rolling out "initiatives like Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and Startup India”.

Kant stated that his journey began in Kerala, where he learned the value of grassroots development, and his work there was the inspiration behind “the “Incredible India” campaign -- born from the belief that travel and tourism has the best multiplier impact on jobs and growth”.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
What an inspiring career! Mr. Kant's contributions to Digital India and G20 were remarkable. His shift to support startups is perfect timing - India's entrepreneurial spirit needs experienced mentors like him. Wishing him all the best! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
His work on Aspirational Districts Programme was truly transformative. Hope he brings the same grassroots approach to supporting startups. Many young entrepreneurs in tier 2/3 cities need guidance - maybe he can focus there too?
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Arjun S.
While I appreciate his contributions, I hope his new role won't just benefit big cities and established startups. India's real growth comes from small towns and rural innovators. The next "Incredible India" campaign should be for domestic entrepreneurs!
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Sunita R.
The G20 presidency under his leadership made every Indian proud! The way we showcased our culture while discussing global issues was masterful. Now hoping he can help Indian startups go global with the same finesse ✨
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Vikram J.
His shift from bureaucracy to entrepreneurship support is symbolic of New India's changing dynamics. But hope he addresses the funding gap - most VCs only look at English-speaking founders from metro cities. Need more inclusive support systems!
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Neha P.
The 'Incredible India' campaign was revolutionary! If he can bring that same creative vision to promote Indian startups globally, it would be amazing. Maybe a 'Startup India, Standup India' 2.0? The timing is perfect with our growing unicorns 🚀

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