Ashwini Vaishnaw, a former IAS officer and Indian politician, is currently serving as the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology in the Government of India since 2021.
Early Life and Education
Ashwini Vaishnaw was born on July 18, 1970, in Jeewand Kallan village in Pali district, Rajasthan. He later moved with his family to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He completed his schooling at St. Anthony’s Convent School & Mahesh School in Jodhpur. Vaishnaw graduated with a gold medal in Electronic and Communications Engineering from MBM Engineering College (JNVU) in Jodhpur in 1991. He then pursued his M.Tech. from IIT Kanpur. After achieving success in engineering, he joined the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1994, securing an all-India rank of 27. In 2008, Vaishnaw pursued an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, broadening his knowledge and expertise.
Civil Servant and Contributions
Vaishnaw began his civil service career in the Odisha cadre of the Indian Administrative Service. He served in various capacities across different regions of Odisha, including as the District Collector of Balasore and Cuttack districts. Notably, during the devastating supercyclone in 1999, Vaishnaw played a crucial role in collecting real-time data about the cyclone’s timing and location. This information enabled the government to take timely safety measures for the people of Odisha.
In 2003, he joined the office of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Deputy Secretary, contributing to the establishment of the public-private partnership framework for infrastructure projects. Following this, he became Vajpayee’s private secretary after the BJP-led NDA lost the election in 2004. In 2006, he served as the Deputy Chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
After completing his MBA from Wharton, Vaishnaw decided to venture into the private sector. He joined GE Transportation as Managing Director and later served as Vice President at Siemens, specializing in locomotives and urban infrastructure strategy. In 2012, he founded Three Tee Auto Logistics Private Limited and Vee Gee Auto Components Private Limited, automotive components manufacturing units based in Gujarat. His entrepreneurial endeavors demonstrated his drive and vision for fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
Political Career and Contributions
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s political journey began when he became a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Odisha, in 2019. He was elected unopposed with the support of the Biju Janata Dal members. As a parliamentarian, he actively participates in various committees, including the Committee on Subordinate Legislation and the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, and Forests. Vaishnaw has addressed a wide range of issues in the Parliament, offering his insights and contributing to public discourse. He emphasized the cyclical nature of India’s economic slowdown and advocated for increased investment to drive the country’s growth.
Cabinet Minister and Current Responsibilities
In the July 2021 cabinet reshuffle, Ashwini Vaishnaw was appointed as the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology. As a cabinet minister, he holds crucial responsibilities in shaping India’s railway infrastructure, revolutionizing the communication sector, and spearheading the growth of the electronics and information technology industry.
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s journey from an accomplished civil servant to a versatile politician and entrepreneur exemplifies his dedication to public service and nation-building. With his vast experience, leadership skills, and vision for development, Vaishnaw continues to contribute significantly to the progress of India in various sectors, propelling the nation toward a brighter future.
