Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Born on: 24th November, 1943
Born In: New Delhi, India
Career: Economist

Montek Singh Ahluwalia is a prominent Indian economist who has served the country in various departments. Recently, he was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission by the ruling UPA Government. Montek Singh is considered as the brain behind the successful Governance of the country. Being the chief policy adviser, Ahluwalia has gained immense respect and reputation from his peers. This Oxford graduate has showcased his talent and knowledge his in all policies ranging from economics to education. Moreover, Montek Singh has been the driving force in matters of the liberation program for the last 16 years. In spite of not being a civil servant, Montek Singh has occupied high rank offices. Formerly, a director at the International Monetary Fund, he is known as the youngest member of the World Bank to hold a distinguished position of Division Chief. His remarkable and meritorious work in the field of economics won him the Padma Vibhushan in 2011. To know more about this qualified economist, glance through the sections below.

Early Life
Montek Singh Ahluwalia was born on 24th November, 1943 in New Delhi. He completed his schooling from St. Patrick's High School in Secunderabad, Delhi Public School of Mathura Road and Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. He then went on to St. Stephen's College in Delhi to earn a degree in B.A. (Hons). He also graduated from the Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

Further, Montek Singh earned a B.Phil in economics at the same university in Oxford; this degree was later reconsidered as an M.Phil. Ahluwalia married Dr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia, a fellow economist, with two children namely Pavan and Aman.

Career
After completing his studies, Ahluwalia began his career in 1968 as an economist at the World Bank in Washington. He worked here for almost 11 years in various positions such as Deputy Division Chief in the Public Finance Division and Chief of Income Distribution Division in Development Research Centre.

In 1979, he came back to India to serve as an Economic Advisor to the Finance Minister. Noticing his vast knowledge, the Government of India appointed him as the Additional Secretary and later as a Special Secretary to Prime Minister.

Montek was appointed as Secretary of Commerce in 1990 and then he became Secretary in Department of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance. In 1998, Ahluwalia was appointed as the Member of Planning Commission and Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.

In 2001, the Government appointed him as the Director of Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF (International Monetary Fund). However, he resigned from this position in 2004 to become the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

Apart from being an economist, Montek Singh Ahluwalia has also written articles in international journals and books regarding economical aspects of India and the world. He has also co-authored 'Re-Distribution with Growth: An Approach to Policy'. Along with writing, Ahluwalia has edited 'Macroeconomics and Monetary Policy: Issues for a Reforming the Global Financial Architecture' along with Y.V. Reddy and S.S. Tarapore.

Awards And Accolades
Montek Singh Ahluwalia was honored with the 'Doctor of Civil Law' by the University of Oxford in 2008. Following this accolade, he received the 'Padma Vibhushan' from the President of India in 2011.

Timeline
1943: Montek Singh Ahluwalia was born in New Delhi.
1968: He started his career as an economist at the World Bank in USA.
1975: His book, 'Re-distribution With Growth: An Approach to Policy' was made available in print.
1979: Became the Economic Advisor to the Indian Ministry of Finance.
1990: He was appointed as Secretary of Commerce.
1998: Montek was appointed as a member of the Planning Commission of India.
2001: He was the first director to the newly formed Independent Evaluation Office at the IMF.
2004: He was appointed as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and his article 'Reforming the Global Financial Architecture' was published in London's Economic paper.
2008: The title 'Doctor of Civil Law' was conferred upon him by the University of Oxford.
2011: Montek Singh was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan by the President of India.