Why Did Amitabh Kant Step Down as G20 Sherpa?

New Delhi, June 16 (NationPress) Amitabh Kant has made a formal announcement regarding his departure as the G20 Sherpa. This decision follows a remarkable 45-year tenure of "committed government service" in various capacities including G20 Sherpa, CEO of NITI Aayog, and Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion.

In a message shared on social media platforms X and LinkedIn, titled "My New Journey", Kant expressed his intentions to "champion free enterprise, startups, and think tanks" moving forward.

"After 45 years of dedicated governmental service, I've chosen to pursue new opportunities and progress in my life. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister of India for accepting my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for the chance to spearhead numerous developmental initiatives contributing to India's growth and progress," Kant stated on X.

In his message, he praised his colleagues, friends, and associates, expressing eagerness to contribute to India’s transformative journey towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating support for free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions.

Kant noted that leading India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 was a "remarkable milestone" in his career.

"India’s G20 presidency was centered around people and inclusivity, with meetings held across all states and union territories. This initiative reinforced cooperative federalism, celebrated local culture, and enhanced infrastructure nationwide," he articulated in a LinkedIn post.

He also pointed out the successful inclusion of the African Union into the G20, fulfilling India’s pledge towards global equity and amplifying the voice of the Global South.

Additionally, during his tenure as CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant led "transformative programs such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, which significantly improved the lives of citizens in 115 of India’s most underprivileged districts".

His leadership also established the "foundations for India’s digital public infrastructure and propelled 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 was instrumental in launching initiatives like Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and Startup India.

Kant reflected that his journey began in Kerala, where he learned the significance of grassroots development, which later inspired the "Incredible India" campaign, rooted in the belief that travel and tourism have the greatest multiplier effect on employment and economic growth.