Back into the reckoning

My View on Former RBI chief prepares for new role as chairman of government....

It is heartening to know that Dr.Bimal Jalan, an illustrious former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, who had steered the ship of the RBI through most difficult times,  is back into the reckoning in Government corridors with his appointment as head of the Expenditure Management Commission. He was earlier associated with various Committees/Group but those were mostly set up by the RBI.  He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in August 2003, by the President of India 'for distinguished service to the country'. As is well known, Dr.Jalan had held several high level positions in India and abroad, including as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government, Banking Secretary, Finance Secretary, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Pime Minister.  Whereas many RBI Governors have been honoured by conferring Padma Awards, including  Dr.C.Rangarajan and Dr.Y.V. Reddy who were recipients of Padma Vibhushan, the second highest Civilian Award, it appears that for some inexplicable reasons, Dr. Jalan has been overlooked for this deserving and coveted honour.  Was it because he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha during NDA regime? 

- Surendra Khot