THE LAUREATES

Ethical Governance 2023

Income Tax Faceless Assessment Scheme

Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey: Architect of Transformative Governance

In the intricate tapestry of India’s public policy and governance, one name shines brightly – Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey. His journey, spanning over a decade, is a testament to visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public service, leaving an indelible mark on the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.

As Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority and former Finance Secretary and Revenue Secretary of India, Dr. Pandey’s leadership has been characterised by a steadfast resolve to drive historic reform initiatives with remarkable foresight and tenacity.

At the heart of Dr. Pandey’s legacy lies a relentless pursuit of inclusive growth and technological innovation. From conceptualising and implementing Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric digital identity program, to modernising taxation systems with initiatives like GST and faceless assessment, his efforts have ushered in an era of transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in governance.

Under his stewardship, Aadhaar has emerged as a beacon of empowerment, providing over 1.2 billion Indians with secure access to essential services while saving the government billions of dollars by eliminating duplicates and ghost beneficiaries. Dr. Pandey’s pivotal role in addressing privacy concerns and shaping India’s data protection laws underscores his commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights in an increasingly digitised world.

Dr. Pandey’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. His visionary leadership and transformative initiatives have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim, both nationally and internationally. From prestigious awards like the Times of India Social Impact Award to accolades from global institutions like the World Bank and IMF, Dr. Pandey’s dedication to driving positive change has earned him the admiration of peers and policymakers alike.

As we reflect on Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey’s journey, we are reminded of the transformative power of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. Through his pioneering efforts, Dr. Pandey has not only reshaped the socioeconomic landscape of India but has also inspired a new generation of leaders to continue the journey towards a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable society.