VINOD RAI – THE NATION’S CONSCIENCE KEEPER

Vinod Rai, a former IAS officer who served as the Auditor General and 11th Comptroller of India, was born on 23 May 1948 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the Delhi University and another Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He also served as the chairman of UN Panel of External Auditors, acted as the interim president of the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2017, when asked by the Supreme Court of India, and headed the Kerala Infrastructure and Investment Board (KIIFB) when appointed by the Government of Kerala. He currently heads the Banks Board Bureau as its Chairman and is an Honorary Advisor to the Railways.

For his direct, honest and uncompromising approach, Vinos Rai has been credited for bringing massive transformation to the Office of CAG. He is credited for bringing a lot of transparency and accountability to the system. Vinod Rai created a huge uproar when under his authority, CAG reported that a loss of Rs. 1 lakh crore was incurred as an act of the government’s allocation of the 2G spectrum. The report created such an impact that several ministers under the UPA government had to resign causing a major setback to the government. Because of his persistent effort, the Supreme Court in 2012 declared the spectrum allotment as ‘unconstitutional and arbitrary’ and rejected as invalid all 122 licenses which were issued by the then communications minister A. Raja in 2008.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of India appointed Vinod Rai to supervise the financial irregularities and mismanagement in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and to audit the property of the Temple.

Vinod Rai hit the headlines when he brought out and exposed the lack of preparation from the respective authorities for the Commonwealth Games. He was especially noted for his brutally honest audits and the ability to unearth buried secrets. He was greatly recognised as a person who could cut through the red tape and get to the roots of the issue.

Vinod Rai also worked in the Ministry of Commerce where he was responsible for a large number of initiatives, especially for the development of exports. He set up the Spices Board and the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority. He was also recognised for his contribution when he worked with the Ministry of Defence and worked closely with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

A book named “Not Just An Accountant: The Diary of the Nations Conscience Keeper” was written by Vinod Rai which brings to light many incidents and the context as to how the political system was tweaked to violate laws in the 2G spectrum case. The book also brings out the defaulters and corruption spread during the Indian Coal allocation scam.

Vinod Rai has been a Director on the Boards of several banks and financial institutions like State Bank of India, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, LIC, IDFC and more. He has served in both, State and Union governments.

Forbes Magazine in 2011 named Vinod Rai as one of the “Persons of the Year”. Forbes went on to describe him as a rare breed of civil servant who knew how to get things and work done in the government. He was also recognised by CNBC TV18 for his outstanding contribution to the Indian economy.

Vinod Rai is widely considered a symbol of anti-corruption and for his courageous service during his lifetime he was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan in the Civil Service category by the President of India in 2016.

Credits and suggested further reading:

https://www.oneindia.com/india/ex-cag-vinod-rai-named-for-padma-bhushan-1993794.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinod_Rai