Career
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]
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