The Ease of Doing Business Program, (an EoDB Services OPC Pvt Ltd initiative) is an independent Indian entity of ‘Policy Entrepreneurship’ and an emerging Tech Piloting Agency that conducts Technical and Commercial Pilots for the elected leadership of the Indian Govt. EoDB is an advanced service and piloting agency that boosts evidence-based policy making with ease of doing business in emerging technologies such as Al, IoT, Blockchain, Electric Mobility, Health, Drones, UV Sterilisation, Cloud Computing, 3D Printing, Robotics, Automation, and Machine Learning.
National Highway for EV (NHEV) is a pilot program adopted by Govt of India; initially supported by Ministry of Commerce & Industry whereas Tech-Trials were non-commercially supported by DST Ministry of Science and Technology to upgrade highways into E-Highways. It conducted tech-trials on 2 pilot corridors, namely Delhi-Agra (Yamuna Expressway – 2021) and Delhi¬ – Jaipur (NH48 – 2022) out of 12 National Corridors proposed by the Ministry of Power for electrification in its Guidelines and standards dated 14.12.2018 to be converted into E-highway. NHEV is built and funded on a Hybrid PPP Model called Annuity Hybrid E-Mobility (AHEM); currently in expansion mode of 5500 km e-highways on Bharatmala & Sagarmala routes from Delhi to Kanyakumari via Mumbai and Kolkata corridors. Join NHEV | Delhi–Agra TECH-Trial Run | Delhi–Jaipur Trial Run | EV Rally| Register CPOS
EoDB 2020 was focused on bringing Sustainable Development to the center stage before COVID19 impact and to make traditional Indian economy self-dependent in Energy and Mobility with evolving Digital and Circular Economy ecosystems. It was aimed to bring new financing tools for emerging techs like Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) or Annuity Hybrid E-Mobility (AHEM) to build infrastructure and bring transformation by digitalizing all sectors of economy.
Journey of India from 142 Rank to $5 Trillion Economy
DISHA stands for Digital Innovations & Interventions for Sustainable Healthtech Action. This Pilot Project aims to drive digital health adoption despite existing challenges. It leverages digital innovations for various health system needs, benefiting the public, patients, and healthcare personnel. DIISHA necessitates advanced digital technologies for enhancing maternal healthcare, managing infectious diseases, chronic conditions, non-communicable diseases, and health system integration in low-resource settings.
Call for Technology, Product and Services (Global-TPS) innovations
Ease of Doing Business Tech 2019 is an Onboarding Program for 30 Focused Emerging Technologies and their Commercial Framework Development to build Hybrid Procurement, Financing, Banking, Insurance And Commercialization for both Public and Private Sector Projects to Adopt, Utilize and Scale them.
An Advance Services for Social and Administrative Reforms (ASSAR) initiative launched in 2018 to deliberate, design and deliver Ease of Doing Business in 30 focused Sectors; and give birth to new ambitious projects of NEW INDIA. It’s commitment to remain focused on ‘Delivery’ and away from ‘Applause’. It was appreciated by the new reform centric leadership of India.
A state-level EoDB approach started by then CM of Gujarat, Sri Narendra Modi and well-accepted globally by Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) as a brand called ‘Vibrant Gujarat’; was further institutionalized by Mr. Abhijeet Sinha, National Program Director EoDB at ASSAR, (a sovereign corporate entity of ‘Policy Entrepreneurship’) to deliver new leadership’s vision of NEW INDIA to people beyond ‘Bureaucratic’ limitations. First leg of the EODB Services OPC contrivances change of brand ‘Uttar Pradesh’ as change in leadership. Rebranding from a state of unpredictability and intricacies to ‘Radiant UP- A state for business and investment’ contributed Ease of Doing Business largely into the ‘UP Investor Summits’.
Former Minister of state (Independent Charge) Commerce & Industry
Government Of India
Best wishes to all participants, stakeholders & organizations joining Ease of doing business UP Program at CEO Roundtables, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Greater Noida, and Kanpur.
Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology
Government of India
My wholehearted wishes and support on EODB Uttar Pradesh Program. I trust ASSAR's abilities and have full faith in the initiatives that ASSAR have taken.
Former Minister of Commerce and Industry Civil Aviation
Government of India
This would be the first 500 km combined road stretch from Jaipur to Agra via Delhi to invite investors, technologists, growth enablers, vehicle/battery manufacturers from round the globe to come, perform trials and develop their ecosystems.
Hon'ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping
Government of India
The efforts through EODB Program have put in and planned to execute for the platform are highly commendable & need-of-the-hour. Our ministry focus with Nodal agencies is on promoting smooth facilitation & implementation of the projects in a time-bound manner.
Minister of State(IC) for Tourism
Government of India
I hope for the success of EODB initiative. On this occasion I complement the organisers, participants, and stakeholders joining Ease of Doing Business UP Programme and wish them all the success.
Hon'ble Minister of Human Resource Development
Government of India
We understand various sub-sectors and divisions of education shall contribute in an integral framework. The level of planning and efforts showcased in EODB program to invite stakeholders and operators of the education sector to contribute in #RadiantUP deserves compliments.
Minister of State(I/C) Petroleum and Natural Gas
Government of India
I laud the activities and initiatives of ASSAR, New Delhi and wish them a grand success in their campaign.
Former Minister of (IC) Tourism
Government of India
It is our PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's dream to transform India by the use of clean modes of transport. India requires to take a lead in fostering and adopting the same which are suitable for our society. I compliment the organisers, participants and the stakeholders all success in this unique initiative.
Former Minister of State Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
Government of India
This program is opening new horizons for the development of a new Heavy Industry of Electric Automobiles and Li-Ion batteries in India.
Former Minister of Steel
Government of India
#NHforEV 2020 is in line with the vision of our Government to transform road and surface transportation for India
CEO
Niti Aayog
My wishes and support goes to EODB Team of ASSAR. This program will help India leap from ahead of significantly towards transforming mobility solutions for all & contribute impeccably towards transforming India by adopting cleaner modes of road and surface transportation.
Member
NITI Aayog
Former Director General
DRDO
I congratulate the office bearers of ASSAR for taking this timely initiative for promoting eco-friendly transportation in India. I wish #NHforEV 2020 all success.
Partner & Group Head
Business Performance Improvement Consulting
Nomura Research Institute
NHEV2020 has the scope to bridge the gaps between various alternative fuel transportations like Electric Mobility, Ethanol, Methanol, BioFuel Cell fueled Mobility with multi-utility infrastructure stations.
Manager
Spain Business Group
Coinmen Consultants LLP
NHforEV2020 is addressing the biggest evil determinate ‘Range Anxiety’ that too on highways, helping individuals to trust E-mobility as a credible transport option when they experience it in public transport.
Co-found
Plug.am
We are excited to hear about India’s first E-Highway coming up on 500 km stretch connecting New Delhi with Jaipur and Agra. To us, it sounds huge and promising that people would be able to drive to these cities with Electric hired cars soon.
Founder
eTrio
Switching your existing vehicle to EV with retrofit technology reduces capital investment of transformation and NHEV2020 gives ample scope to see this initiative closely converting PSU and Govt owned old vehicles to EVs.
Defence Minister of State (IC) & Ayush
“I loud the efforts of Shri. Abhijeet Sinha and ASSAR for the methodological approach to resume to resume this lockdown halted project in the same year. I extend my best wishes to this project and participants for their support and passion for timely completion and contribution in post lockdown economic revival.”
Minister of State, MSME, Govt of India
“It would be be exciting to dispatch TECH-Trial Electric Vehicle to ply on India’s first E-Highway and hear from stakeholders about one of its kind Public-Private-Partnership Project. My heartiest congratulations to Shri. Abhijeet Sinha and his team for facilitating ‘Ease of Doing Business’ to all stakeholders and ASSAR for conducting such initiative.”
Member - NHEV Knowledge Group Secretary - CPOs India Founder Co-Chair - ASSOCHAM Railways & Urban Mobility International Council Div
Established Leadership and Expertise of over 35 years in Technology Management, Business Development, Policy Advocacy, New Products Launch, Foreign Alliances, Vertical Leadership, Revenue Maximisation and Market Expansion in Railways, Metros, Automotive, Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors.
National Program Director Ease of Doing Business
Abhijeet Sinha is serving as National Program Director of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) program and Country Director (India & UAE) at Advance Services for Social & Administrative Reforms (ASSAR) with Adnl. Charge of ‘Project Director’ in National Highways for Electric Vehicles (#NHforEV2020). He is a ‘Technocrat’ turned ‘Policy Entrepreneur’ with his cross-domain consulting in Hybrid Annuity Model(HAM) and conceptualization of energy infrastructure innovations like Annuity Hybrid E-Mobility (AHEM) for NHEV (A prototypical transformative mobility program to convert National Highways and Expressways into E-Highways with Charging Stations and Public Transport fleets under EoDB of ASSAR supported by NITI Aayog, Ministry of Science & Technology and 5 Cabinet Ministers ). He is currently also on the Advisory Board of Steel Users Federation of India and India Think Council. Member- Belgium Luxemburg Business Association, Member- Indo Dutch Chamber of Business & Sciences, Facilitator for ISGF – India Smart Utility Week 2019-20 and has been a well-known corporate consultant for Govt of India’s flagship programs Make In India, Startup India, and Digital India. Abhijeet Sinha Before joining currently Prime Minister of India then CM Gujarat Sri Narendra Modi’s Citizen for Accountable Governance (CAG) campaign during 2014 Parliamentary polls – Abhijeet began his career as a corporate banker, he later stepped in project consulting role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) involves with his expertise in delivering strategic level policy and ground-level financial solutions for climate and green energy projects. He further served as Program Director at ASSAR in SDG involves across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Extending his services to other international bodies, he worked with projects under UNDP India, UNICEF India, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CARIAA, IDRC, CRDI, Red Cross – Red Crescent and studies under Universities of Cape Town, Ghana, Nairobi, East Anglia, Namibia funded by Department for International Development UK-AIDs in varied ASSAR projects. He is on the Board of Studies of AMITY University and also a Corporate Counsel – ENACTUS (DCAC & SRCC, Delhi University) Youth Advocate – Swachh Bharat Mission & Digital Bharat. Abhijeet is an ISO Certified Energy Consultant 9001-14001 owning 18 Patents March 2018. Abhijeet is a frequent traveler, Urdu Poet and taken as the no-nonsense keynote speaker at public forums and news channels. On pro-bono he also contributes as Corporate resources for C e n tr e Fo r E n tr e p r e n e u rs h I p Development – NIFTEM (Ministry of Food Processing Industry).
Head Special Projects ( Domestic & International Market ) Network 18
Sudha Sharma is a Post Graduate in Global Business Management from IIM- Calcutta and has work Experience of 15 years across Telecom and Media Industry. She has worked with some Global brands like Vodafone, Aircel & Times Of India. She is currently Heading Special Projects for Domestic and International Markets for Network 18 – Digital Business. She works with Corporate Sector, State, Central and International Govt. She was currently a speaker at ICAI Forum, Dubai on India’s Rural Challenges on GST Reform.. She has represented Network 18 at India – UK Investment Forum and Indian Real Estate Scenario at the Parliament House of London. She has recently been a part of World Bank’s South Asian Countries Dialog on Melting Glaciers of Himalayas at their Headquarters at Washington DC. She has also been part of bilateral trade meetings at UK and UAE. She has worked on various projects from Revival of Benaras Handlooms to Scarcity of Truck Drivers in India to Sustainability to Competitive Federalism in India.
Member of NHEV Working Group Managing Partner of Accures Legal
Vedant Pujari is a business lawyer and managing partner of Accures Legal – an Intellectual Property and corporate practice. He has behind him a dynamic professional experience spanning over 16 years in working with a wide range of businesses, Indian and overseas. He belongs to a breed of legal practitioners who fuse technology with law, thus, consistently breaking the status quo by revamping the traditional ways in which legal services are rendered in India. His motto has always been – “advice from a lawyer must foster his client’s business(es) and not just be focused on compliance”. In the past few years, Vedant’s focus has been on advising clients on their IP and commercial transactions.
He was a part of the team appointed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers to assess the impact of the creation of IPR facilitation center at Hyderabad. He is an empanelled legal consultant for Electroprenure Park – a collaboration between STPI, University of Delhi, and Indian Electronics and Semiconductors Association (IESA) and on the Board of a public listed company called Precision Camshafts Ltd. as an Independent Director. In February 2019, Vedant was awarded by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Mr. Suresh Prabhu for his contribution to Strengthening Start-up Ecosystem in India.
Vedant is an avid reader and loves to pen down his thoughts on various topics of his interest. He has played pivotal roles in different organizations and headed a variety of teams comprising lawyers, paralegals, information analysts, information scientists, and marketing and sales professionals. Vedant has trotted the globe as a speaker in several conferences and seminars of international repute and has conducted many training programs in association with eminent industry organizations.
Member NHEV Working Group Co-founder - Zeamly Ltd
He is a member in the ‘Working Group’ of National Highway for Electric Vehicle (NHEV) an Ease of Doing Business pilot in E-mobility to upgrade regular highways into E-Highways. Kalle Toiskallio has over 25 years of experience in versatile, academic and practical mobility development projects, especially in parking information. Co-founder and the chair of the board of start-ups to solve urban carbon footprint and air quality issues of cities and companies. Possess Doctor of social science (sociology) from the University of Helsinki. He has a very long history in strategical consulting in the planning of traffic and constructed environment, especially car parking, but also defining, testing and certificating competencies of municipal engineering. Furthermore, has familiarity with R&D&I of smart cities.
Founder Innov8 Coworking
Dr Ritesh Malik is an Indian doctor, entrepreneur and investor. He is honored to be in FORBES 30 under 30 Finance and Venture Capital List- ASIA of 2016. He’s also the CEO of a Y Combinator company, Innov8.Work. Ritesh runs a virtual Startup Accelerator in India, currently investing in and mentoring 20+ startups across various industries. He was the first investor & mentor of FIN ROBOTICS, which became the first Indian hardware product company to raise a Series a venture funding. In 2015 Ritesh plans to launch his latest funding venture, ‘Project Guerrilla’, his vision for a premiere India based accelerator & incubation centre. He is on a mission to make India the next BIG entrepreneurial hub of the world. His journey till now has been very exciting. Since March 2013, after finishing MBBS, he cofounded a technology company (Adstuck) that sold off its flagship product (ALIVE APP) to the Times of India. He is leading an angel fund, Guerrilla Ventures that has invested in over 20 companies mostly in the hardware space e.g. Fin, Sectorqube, Exploride, WooStays, Comet Core, Flip Technologies, Wigzo, Mashinga etc.
Member of NHEV Knowledge Group Member NITI Aayog
Padma Shri Padma Bhushan Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat retired as Secretary, DRDO, after more than four decades of Government service. He is ME from IISc Bangalore and PhD from Osmania University and a gifted scientist with vast experience in defence research in both basic and applied sciences. During his illustrious career, Dr Saraswat has been credited with indigenous development of (i) Missiles namely PRITHVI, DHANUSH, PRAHAAR and AGNI-5; (ii) Development of two-tiered Ballistic Missiles Defence (BMD) systems (iii) Initial Operational Clearance of Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS; and Nuclear Submarine INS Arihant. As Secretary DRDO Dr. Saraswat played a pivotal role in: (i) establishment of the command, control, communication, storage, transportation and deployment infrastructure for strategic nuclear assets to support the nuclear doctrine; (ii) Flight Evaluation of long-range sub-sonic cruise missile (iii) Long Range Radars for tracking incoming (enemy) Ballistic missiles, Command control and communication network, Command Centres with a decision support system for defence of National Capital Region against enemies’ ballistic missile threat, (iv) Established Cyber Security Research and Development Centre for developing offensive and defensive technologies for cybersecurity. As Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and Consultant to IOCL R&D evolved a road map for development of Alternate Energy Systems viz. clean coal technologies, High Efficiency Concentrated Solar Power Systems, Bio-energy and Hydrogen based economy. Presently he is Chairman of Research Advisory council of IOCL R&D. As Chairman NTPC R&D Advisory Council similar alternate energy technology development plan has been prepared with focus on clean coal technologies viz. Integrated Gasification and combined cycle system, Advanced ultra-supercritical Thermal Power Plant to work on efficiencies better than 40% and highly reduced greenhouse emissions. Initiated a programme for the development of Silicon-Photonics technology by setting up Photonics Valley Corporation at Telangana. Govt. of Telangana initiative in collaboration with Photonics Inc USA. This will be a game-changer for the next generation of networks like 5G and supercomputers. As Chairman of Committee for development of Indian Microprocessor led a team to evolve the configuration of the M-Processor for IoT, Smart Cities and other ICT applications laid out the strategy for development with DieTy, CDAC, IIT(M), IIT(B)and SCL Chandigarh. Two devices have already been developed in IIT(B) and IIT(M). Evolved a Concept Document for setting up Indian Railway Research Institute (SHRESHTHA) for Indian Railway that would propel indigenous designs and manufacturing in the forthcoming programmes like High-Speed Rail System and Dedicated Freight Corridor and usher a new era of R&D in Railway. As Member, NITI Aayog, Initiated a programme to develop “Methanol Economy” for transportation, energy generation and production of chemicals, fertilizers etc. Production agencies, academic institutions and Petro-refineries have been brought on a common platform to leapfrog in “Methanol Economy”. M-15 gasoline blend, methanol cookstove and methanol-fueled propulsion for Inland Waterways and Methanol-fueled gensets are being introduced as part of “Methanol Economy” initiative in the country. R&D activity in gasification of High Ash content Indian coal has been initiated at Academia & Industry. Chaired a Committee on Technical Textile and prepared a roadmap for futuristic growth of technical textiles in India with respect to the promotion of industries for indigenous production of technical textiles and fibres such as Carbon and Aramid for strategic and ballistic needs, laying due emphasis on reviving R & D structure in the sector. Chaired a Committee and submitted a report titled “Roadmap for Make in India in Body Armour”, release of Indian Standards on body armour by BIS, R&D work on Carbon Nano Tube etc. Led an Empowered Technical advisory committee for the development of National Super Computing Systems. Configuration and strategy for development have been evolved and the programme has been launched as a multi-organisation mission. He is a recipient of many awards and most notable among them being Padma Shri (1998), Padma Bhushan (2013). He has been conferred Honorary Doctorate by more than 25 Universities the latest among them being Jamia Humdard (2018).
Adviser at NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transformation of India)
An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi did his Major in History. He has experience of over 27 years in operations, infrastructure planning, coordination and management at field and policy making levels in Indian Railways with considerable success and appreciation. His performance has been recognised and awarded twice at the National level (National Award for e-Governance- 2019-20, for ‘Excellence in providing Citizen – Centric Delivery’ by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Govt. of India, ‘National Award for Outstanding Service’ Ministry of Railways Govt. of India -2006) and thrice at the Ministry (of Railways) level. He also served as Dean of the Indian Railway Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow, and General Manager Web Applications at the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). He has training and enrichment from Japan (Railway Management), Malaysia (ICLIF – Advance Management), Singapore (INSEAD – Advance Management), Germany (UIC) and the US (Oracle).
He is the Adviser at the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transformation of India), the apex ‘Think Tank’ of the Govt. of India.
Member - Knowledge Group World Economic Forum IT Advisor to Government of Uttarakhand
27 years experience in leadership positions in infrastructure development and Digital technologies. Keen interest in digital technologies and management studies since the early stage of career. Firmly believe in finding solutions to complex problems using digital technologies coupled with management skills — to make people’s lives safe and comfortable. Served the Government of India for more than 27 years, expertise includes the Infra sector- highway, electronic tolling, new mobility, logistics, infrastructure, smart cities, GIS, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), and contract management.
Member of NHEV Knowledge Group Principal Consultant & Mission Director National Mission on Transformative Mobility & Battery NITI Aayog.
Mr. Anil Srivastava has over three decades of working experience with Government in Indian Administrative Service. Currently he is Principal Consultant and Mission Director of National Mission on Transformative Mobility & Battery Storage in NITI Aayog. Prior to this he was Principal Adviser for Infrastructure Connectivity and Director General of Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office at NITI Aayog, after having done more than five years as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He has held various senior level positions of responsibility including that of Chairman & Managing Director, Pawan Hans Ltd. for three years. With the State Government he has held the positions of Secretary to the Government of various departments including Finance, Revenue, New & Renewable Energy, Commerce & Industries etc. He has also worked as Commissioner of Treasuries, Commissioner of Industries & Commerce, Managing Director of various PSUs, District Magistrate and Municipal Administrator. He has also served on the Boards of Optel Telecommunications, Hotline Glass, Fujitsu Optel, National Information Technologies, Air India, Airports Authority of India etc.
He has been recognized as a prolific thought leader on e-vehicles and mobility/transportation related issues in various national and international events and was a distinguished speaker at WRI, World Bank Group event at World Bank Headquarters on Transforming Transportation. He has been a part of several international collaborations to foster cooperation between India and other countries such as China, France and Japan on spearheading electric mobility. He was part of the NITI Aayog delegation to 3rd NITI-DRC Dialogue on World Economic Prospects & China-India Economic Cooperation in December, 2017. He led Industry delegation from India to China EV 100 Forum, in January, 2019. He has consistently driven the agenda for Indian leadership in the global mobility spectrum.
Under his leadership, the first ever National Summit on mobility was conducted successfully with large and active participation from global leadership representing industry, think tanks, practitioners and governments. The Summit was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. He has spearheaded the development of a robust policy paradigm to promote clean, shared and connected mobility in the country.
Member of NHEV Knowledge Group Managing Director Resurgent India Limited
Mr Jyoti Prakash Gadia is the Founder and Managing director of Resurgent India Limited, a Financial Service leader specializing in Fund Raising & Acquisitions With Nearly 2 decades of global experience in the Finance industry, he sets and advances the strategic guidance for the Company and its portfolio of services, while nurturing a strong leadership team to drive its execution.
A brainchild of Mr Gadia, Resurgent India Limited is an investment banking firm primarily into advising the corporate in fundraising in the form of equity, debt, merchant banking, operational improvement, and domestic and international Joint Ventures. He has taken numerous great initiatives for the development of different sectors in the Indian industry including the signing of the first-ever MoU between associations & banks for extending concessional bank credit to MSME members.
With his inclination towards the industrial growth Mr Gadia has been appointed as “Co-Convener, CII Delhi Panel on SMEs & Finance” and “Chairman, BFSI committee PhD Chamber of Commerce” Contributing constantly towards the GDP growth of the Indian Industry. He holds s a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (FCA), a qualified Chartered Financial Analyst, Associate Member of Institute of Cost & Works Accountant of India (AICWA) (All India 8th rank holder) and with a Master of Business Administration in Finance.
Member of NHEV Knowledge Group Member R&D National Automotive Board
Dr. Sajid Mubashir is developing Public-Private Research Partnership (PPP-R&D) program for a nationally coordinated “Technology Platform for Electric Mobility” in PPP-R&D mode. It will support collaborative projects that aim for specific Technology Readiness Levels and staying focused on the roadmap jointly owned by Government and Industry.
Finance Minister of India
Nirmala Sitharaman is an Indian politician and Finance Minister of India. served as the current Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India. She is a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, since 2014. Sitharaman formerly served as the Defence Minister of India, thereby becoming India’s second female defense minister and also the second female finance minister after Indira Gandhi and the first full-time female Finance Minister. She has served as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs under the Ministry of Finance and the Minister for Commerce and Industry with independent charge. Prior to that, she served as a national spokesperson for the BJP. Nirmala Sitharaman was born in the Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, to Savitri and Narayanan Sitharaman. Her father hailed from Musiri, Tiruchirappalli, while her mother’s family had its roots in Thiruvenkadu, and in the Thanjavur and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu. Her father was an employee of Indian Railways and hence she spent her childhood in various parts of the state. She had her schooling from Madras and Tiruchirappalli. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics at the Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College, Tiruchirapalli in 1980, Master of Arts degree in economics and M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi in 1984. She then enrolled for a Ph.D. in economics with a focus on Indo-Europe trade, but a move to London after her husband secured a scholarship in London School of Economics left her unable to complete the degree.
Hon'ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping Government of India
Nitin Gadkari is a senior leader of the Bhartiya Janata Party. He is the current Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in the Government of India. He is known as the flyovers man because of his work in constructing roads, expressways and flyovers. Gadkari was born on 27th May, 1957 to a Brahmin family in the city of Nagpur, Maharashtra. He completed his education from G.S. Commerce College, Nagpur University and University College of Law, Main Branch, Nagpur. He got married to Smt. Kanchan Gadkari on 18 Dec 1984. The couple have three childrens two sons and a daughter. He joined the student political outfit Akhil Bharatiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP) in 1976. He also organised the 28th National Convention of ABVP. He was selected the President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha when he was just 24 years old. Nitin Gadkari served as the Minister of Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999 and restructured it from top to bottom. He has served as the president of the Maharashtra BJP.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India
Harsh Vardhan as the State Minister of Health in 1994 oversaw the successful implementation of the pilot project of the Pulse Polio Programme which involved the mass immunisation of 1 million children up to the age of 3 in Delhi. In 1995, this programme was launched nationwide leading to 88 million children being immunised. On 28 March 2014, India was declared polio-free by the WHO, as there had been no reported cases for three years. In 1997, the Delhi Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers Health Protection Act was passed in the Delhi assembly which was one of the first anti-tobacco laws implemented by any state government. The act applied across the NCT of Delhi. It prohibited smoking in places of public work or use for example hospitals, restaurants, and educational institutions and in public service vehicles. It also prohibited the sale of smoking substances such as tobacco and beedis to anyone below the age of eighteen. Smoking products could not also be sold or stored within 100 metres of any educational institution. Under the provisions of the act, fines would be applied to anyone who contravened the law and they could potentially be ejected from places of public use by the police.
Harsh Vardhan has received the following awards and recognitions: i) IMA President’s Special Award of Appreciation by the Indian Medical Association in 1994. ii) Director-General’s Polio Eradication Champion Award Commendation Medal by the World Health Organization in 1998. iii) Polio Eradication Champion Award by the Rotary International in 2001. iv) “Doctor of the Last Decade” (Swastha Ratna) by Indian Medical Association’s New Delhi branch in 2002.
Defence Minister of State (IC) & Ayush
“I loud the efforts of Shri. Abhijeet Sinha and ASSAR for the methodological approach to resume to resume this lockdown halted project in the same year. I extend my best wishes to this project and participants for their support and passion for timely completion and contribution in post lockdown economic revival.”
Former Minister of Commerce and Industry Civil Aviation Government of India
Shri Suresh Prabhu is currently the Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation of Government of India. He has handled several ministries in the past from Railways to Environment, Power and Heavy Industries. He has also been Prime Minister’s Sherpa for G20 summit and Chairman of the Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers. As soon as he assumes charge of an assignment, he secure the blue-print of development, and sets target dates for specific action points. He is a Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh. He has been four-time Member of the Lok Sabha from Rajapur Constituency of Maharastra – one of the biggest states of India and has also represented Haryana in the Rajya Sabha.Suresh Prabhu Zantye completed his schooling from Sharadashram Vidya Mandir, Dadar, Mumbai, followed by a Bachelor in Commerce with Honours from M. L. Dahanukar College, Vile Parle, Mumbai. He received a Bachelor in Law degree from the New Law College (Ruparel College campus), Mumbai.] Prabhu is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He was All India 11th (eleventh) rank holder in CA exam.
Former Minister of State(IC) for Tourism Government of India
Mahesh Kumar Sharma is an Indian politician belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was elected in the 2014 Indian general election from Gautam Buddha Nagar. He is a physician by profession and owns the Kailash Group of Hospitals based in Noida. On 12 November 2014, he was appointed as a Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism and Civil Aviation. He has also served as the first MLA of Noida vidhan sabha in Uttar Pradesh. Mahesh Sharma was born on 30 September 1959 in Manethi village in Mundawar tehsil Alwar district of Rajasthan. His father, Kailash Chand Sharma, was a school teacher. He did his early schooling in the village. For senior secondary education, he moved to Delhi. He graduated from the University College of Medical Sciences.In 2012, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Amity University.
CEO Niti Aayog
Mr Amitabh Kant is presently posted as CEO, NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). He was till recently Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Amitabh Kant is a member of the Indian Administrative Service, IAS (Kerala Cadre: 1980 Batch). He is the author of “Branding India – An Incredible Story” and has been a key driver of “Make in India”, Startup India, “Incredible India” and “God’s Own Country” campaigns which positioned and branded India and Kerala State as leading tourism destinations. These campaigns have won several international awards and embraced a host of activities – infrastructure development, product enhancement, private-public partnership and positioning and branding. Amitabh Kant has worked as Chairman & CEO, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corporation, CMD – ITDC, Joint Secretary – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Secretary – Tourism, Government of Kerala, Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, District Collector, Kozikhode and Managing Director, Matsyafed. Amitabh Kant did his schooling from Modern School, Delhi, Graduation in Economics (Hons) from St. Stephens, Delhi University and M.A from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is a Chevening Scholar.
Member of NHEV Knowledge Group Member NITI Aayog
Padma Shri Padma Bhushan Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat retired as Secretary, DRDO, after more than four decades of Government service. He is ME from IISc Bangalore and PhD from Osmania University and a gifted scientist with vast experience in defence research in both basic and applied sciences. During his illustrious career, Dr Saraswat has been credited with indigenous development of (i) Missiles namely PRITHVI, DHANUSH, PRAHAAR and AGNI-5; (ii) Development of two-tiered Ballistic Missiles Defence (BMD) systems (iii) Initial Operational Clearance of Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS; and Nuclear Submarine INS Arihant. As Secretary DRDO Dr. Saraswat played a pivotal role in: (i) establishment of the command, control, communication, storage, transportation and deployment infrastructure for strategic nuclear assets to support the nuclear doctrine; (ii) Flight Evaluation of long-range sub-sonic cruise missile (iii) Long Range Radars for tracking incoming (enemy) Ballistic missiles, Command control and communication network, Command Centres with a decision support system for defence of National Capital Region against enemies’ ballistic missile threat, (iv) Established Cyber Security Research and Development Centre for developing offensive and defensive technologies for cybersecurity. As Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and Consultant to IOCL R&D evolved a road map for development of Alternate Energy Systems viz. clean coal technologies, High Efficiency Concentrated Solar Power Systems, Bio-energy and Hydrogen based economy. Presently he is Chairman of Research Advisory council of IOCL R&D. As Chairman NTPC R&D Advisory Council similar alternate energy technology development plan has been prepared with focus on clean coal technologies viz. Integrated Gasification and combined cycle system, Advanced ultra-supercritical Thermal Power Plant to work on efficiencies better than 40% and highly reduced greenhouse emissions. Initiated a programme for the development of Silicon-Photonics technology by setting up Photonics Valley Corporation at Telangana. Govt. of Telangana initiative in collaboration with Photonics Inc USA. This will be a game-changer for the next generation of networks like 5G and supercomputers. As Chairman of Committee for development of Indian Microprocessor led a team to evolve the configuration of the M-Processor for IoT, Smart Cities and other ICT applications laid out the strategy for development with DieTy, CDAC, IIT(M), IIT(B)and SCL Chandigarh. Two devices have already been developed in IIT(B) and IIT(M). Evolved a Concept Document for setting up Indian Railway Research Institute (SHRESHTHA) for Indian Railway that would propel indigenous designs and manufacturing in the forthcoming programmes like High-Speed Rail System and Dedicated Freight Corridor and usher a new era of R&D in Railway. As Member, NITI Aayog, Initiated a programme to develop “Methanol Economy” for transportation, energy generation and production of chemicals, fertilizers etc. Production agencies, academic institutions and Petro-refineries have been brought on a common platform to leapfrog in “Methanol Economy”. M-15 gasoline blend, methanol cookstove and methanol-fueled propulsion for Inland Waterways and Methanol-fueled gensets are being introduced as part of “Methanol Economy” initiative in the country. R&D activity in gasification of High Ash content Indian coal has been initiated at Academia & Industry. Chaired a Committee on Technical Textile and prepared a roadmap for futuristic growth of technical textiles in India with respect to the promotion of industries for indigenous production of technical textiles and fibres such as Carbon and Aramid for strategic and ballistic needs, laying due emphasis on reviving R & D structure in the sector. Chaired a Committee and submitted a report titled “Roadmap for Make in India in Body Armour”, release of Indian Standards on body armour by BIS, R&D work on Carbon Nano Tube etc. Led an Empowered Technical advisory committee for the development of National Super Computing Systems. Configuration and strategy for development have been evolved and the programme has been launched as a multi-organisation mission. He is a recipient of many awards and most notable among them being Padma Shri (1998), Padma Bhushan (2013). He has been conferred Honorary Doctorate by more than 25 Universities the latest among them being Jamia Humdard (2018).
Member - Knowledge Group World Economic Forum IT Advisor to Government of Uttarakhand
27 years experience in leadership positions in infrastructure development and Digital technologies. Keen interest in digital technologies and management studies since the early stage of career. Firmly believe in finding solutions to complex problems using digital technologies coupled with management skills — to make people’s lives safe and comfortable. Served the Government of India for more than 27 years, expertise includes the Infra sector- highway, electronic tolling, new mobility, logistics, infrastructure, smart cities, GIS, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), and contract management.
Adviser at NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transformation of India)
An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi did his Major in History. He has experience of over 27 years in operations, infrastructure planning, coordination and management at field and policy making levels in Indian Railways with considerable success and appreciation. His performance has been recognised and awarded twice at the National level (National Award for e-Governance- 2019-20, for ‘Excellence in providing Citizen – Centric Delivery’ by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Govt. of India, ‘National Award for Outstanding Service’ Ministry of Railways Govt. of India -2006) and thrice at the Ministry (of Railways) level. He also served as Dean of the Indian Railway Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow, and General Manager Web Applications at the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). He has training and enrichment from Japan (Railway Management), Malaysia (ICLIF – Advance Management), Singapore (INSEAD – Advance Management), Germany (UIC) and the US (Oracle).
He is the Adviser at the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transformation of India), the apex ‘Think Tank’ of the Govt. of India.
Member of NHEV Working Group National Program Director Ease of Doing Business
Abhijeet Sinha is serving as National Program Director of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) program and Country Director (India & UAE) at Advance Services for Social & Administrative Reforms (ASSAR) with Adnl. Charge of ‘Project Director’ in National Highways for Electric Vehicles (#NHforEV2020). He is a ‘Technocrat’ turned ‘Policy Entrepreneur’ with his cross-domain consulting in Hybrid Annuity Model(HAM) and conceptualization of energy infrastructure innovations like Annuity Hybrid E-Mobility (AHEM) for NHEV (A prototypical transformative mobility program to convert National Highways and Expressways into E-Highways with Charging Stations and Public Transport fleets under EoDB of ASSAR supported by NITI Aayog, Ministry of Science & Technology and 5 Cabinet Ministers ). He is currently also on the Advisory Board of Steel Users Federation of India and India Think Council. Member- Belgium Luxemburg Business Association, Member- Indo Dutch Chamber of Business & Sciences, Facilitator for ISGF – India Smart Utility Week 2019-20 and has been a well-known corporate consultant for Govt of India’s flagship programs Make In India, Startup India, and Digital India. Abhijeet Sinha Before joining currently Prime Minister of India then CM Gujarat Sri Narendra Modi’s Citizen for Accountable Governance (CAG) campaign during 2014 Parliamentary polls – Abhijeet began his career as a corporate banker, he later stepped in project consulting role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) involves with his expertise in delivering strategic level policy and ground-level financial solutions for climate and green energy projects. He further served as Program Director at ASSAR in SDG involves across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Extending his services to other international bodies, he worked with projects under UNDP India, UNICEF India, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CARIAA, IDRC, CRDI, Red Cross – Red Crescent and studies under Universities of Cape Town, Ghana, Nairobi, East Anglia, Namibia funded by Department for International Development UK-AIDs in varied ASSAR projects.
He is on the Board of Studies of AMITY University and also a Corporate Counsel – ENACTUS (DCAC & SRCC, Delhi University) Youth Advocate – Swachh Bharat Mission & Digital Bharat. Abhijeet is an ISO Certified Energy Consultant 9001-14001 owning 18 Patents March 2018.
Abhijeet is a frequent traveler, Urdu Poet and taken as the no-nonsense keynote speaker at public forums and news channels. On pro-bono he also contributes as Corporate resources for C e n tr e Fo r E n tr e p r e n e u rs h I p Development – NIFTEM (Ministry of Food Processing Industry).
Member NHEV Working Group Director of Technical Operations at MRPL M. Sc in Construction Management & Engineering The Delft University of Technology, Netherlands.
He is a member in the ‘Working Group’ of National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) an Ease of Doing Business pilot in E-mobility to upgrade regular highways into E-Highways. Mr. Deepanshu Mangla Director of Technical Operations at MRPL focused on developing technologies in the domain of the construction sector to combat the rising climate change. Possess Master of Science in Construction Management & Engineering from the Delft University of Technology, Netherlands engaged in the research & development of sustainable concrete solutions with geopolymer technology and upscaling the developed technologies from laboratory to real construction practice.
Member of NHEV Working Group Founder Vocabberry
Aditi Syal, Founder of Vocabberry, a content production company that helps brands, startups and individuals feature creative content on their websites and other online repositories. Aditi consults start-ups in their operational model of business and execution. She has built Vocabberry from scratch, and the company owes its success to her. The brand has become a credible name in the content market, and clients vouch for the quality and quantity that her brand produces. Featured as one of the youngest Founders of an Online Driven Business in the Women’s League (India) by TopYaps, 2017. Aditi manages Sales and Marketing, Quality and contributes towards delivering Thought Leader content at various Digital Marketing Forums/ Events. Hosted Vocabberry’s Content Marketing 101 at Noida, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Member NHEV Working Group Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Data Science & AI Bournemouth University, UK
She is a member in the ‘Working Group’ of National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) an Ease of Doing Business pilot in E-mobility to upgrade regular highways into E-Highways. Ms. Avleen Kaur Malhi is working as senior lecturer in Data Science and AI at the Department of Computing and Informatics, Bournemouth University, UK and as visiting researcher in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University Finland. She is the founder of eParkly – real-time parking monitoring and management system, which is a research and commercialisation project funded by Business Finland of approx. She is a post-doctorate in Smart Cities and AI from Aalto University, Finland also Ph.D. in Autonomous vehicles from India and has more than 50 scientific publications in IoT, AI and autonomous systems.
Chief Executive Officer & Founder Jan Ki Baat
Member of NHEV Working Group CEO Bluebolt Chairman Startup India Foundation
Anil is a green tech enthusiast creating business among Clean Tech and EV startups, with NHEV 2020. Anil is a serial entrepreneur at heart and believer in the power of dreams. Anil loves mentoring budding entrepreneurs and innovative startups on building business plans, successfully pitching to investors, go-to-market strategies & scaling up businesses. Anil is founder of Bluebolt Startup Factory, an enterprise deep tech startups accelerator. Anil founded Startup India Foundation, a non-profit initiative by a group of successful and experienced entrepreneurs to help grow the early-stage startup ecosystem in India. Anil is a well-regarded startup mentor in the Indian startup ecosystem and a TEDx speaker. Anil was the anchor judge for Haywards 5000 Haunslay ki Udaan, India’s First Startup Reality TV Show and the official startup coach for The Vault Show, India’s answer to Shark Tank. Fondly known as Katappa of the Indian startup ecosystem, Anil is admired for his outspoken no-nonsense views about the startups and the ecosystem. He is most sought after judge for startup pitching events and hackathons. He has judged over 1000 startups in the last 12 months. In 2001, Anil founded 24×7 Learning and led its growth over a decade to become India’s largest e-learning implementation company besides successfully raising multiple rounds of investments including $4m from Network 18. Prior to founding 24×7 Learning, Anil had successfully set up and launched businesses for two large multinational companies in India. Besides his engineering from NIT Kurukshetra, he has studied sculpting at New York Academy of Fine Arts and about art markets at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.