Prof Rajeev Gowda named vice-chairman of state thinktank

BENGALURU: Former Rajya Sabha member and academic Professor M V Rajeev Gowda has been appointed by the state government as vice-chairman of the State Institute For The Transformation of Karnataka (SITK) with cabinet rank.

The SITK was previously known as the State Planning Board and is touted as Karnataka’s equivalent of the NITI Aayog. The Chief Minister is the chairperson of SITK.

Professor Gowda represented Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha between 2014-20 and is currently chairman of the Indian National Congress’ Research Department. He was convener of its manifesto committee for the 2019 Lok Sabha election and is a national spokesperson of the party.

Earlier, he was chairperson, Centre for Public Policy and Professor of Economics and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. He has served as a director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India.

The SITK’s (sitkgok.com) mandate is to formulate policy strategy and evaluate programme outcomes. It works with multiple departments to promote Karnataka’s socio-economic development. It is a hub of innovation, e.g, its SITK ‘Changemakers Programme’ focuses on feasible and scalable solutions to priority problems. The SITK also has a special focus on helping Karnataka achieve various Sustainable Development Goals, a statement said.

Professor Gowda is expected to ensure engagement and constructive coordination across government departments and with external experts. Professor Gowda stated, “This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the creation of a unique Karnataka Model of Development under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar”.