G. K Vasan

G. K Vasan
ஜி.கே. வாசன்
President, Tamil Maanila Congress (M)[1]
Incumbent
Assumed office May 2014
Union Minister of Shipping[2]
In office May 2009 – May 2014
Prime Minister	Manmohan Singh
Preceded by	T.R Baalu
Succeeded by	Nitin Gadkari
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation[3]
In office Jan 2006 – May 2009
Prime Minister	Manmohan Singh
Succeeded by	D.V. Sadananda Gowda
Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Urban Development
In office Oct 2004 – Jan 2006
Member, Committee on Coal and Steel
In office Aug 2004 – Jan 2006
President, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (A.I.C.C)[4]
In office Nov 2003 – Feb 2006
Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation
In office Jun 2003 – Jul 2004
Secretary, Indian_National_Congress
In office Aug 2002 – Nov 2003
Member, Committee on Urban and Rural Development
In office Jan 2003 – Feb 2004
Member, Departmentally-Related Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development
In office Jun 2002 – Jul 2004
Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Agriculture
In office May 2002 – Jan 2004
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)[5]
In office Apr 2002 – May 2014
President, Tamil Maanila Congress (M)[6]
In office Aug 2001 – Aug 2002
Personal details
Born	(1964-12-28)28 December 1964 Sundara Perumalkoil, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality	Indian
Political party	Tamil Maanila Congress (M) (From 2001-2002; From 2014-Till date)
Other political affiliations	Indian National Congress (From 2002 - 2014)
Spouse(s)	Sunitha Vasan (m. 1996)
Children	One son (G.K.V Pranav)
Parents	Ayya G.K Moopanar Amma Kasthuri Moopanar
Alma mater	The New College, Madras University
Profession	Farmer, Politician
Website	Website Official Facebook Page

In this Indian name, the name Govindaswamy Karuppiah is a patronymic, not a family name, and the person should be referred to by the given name, G. K Vasan.

G. K. Vasan (Tamil: ஜி.கே. வாசன்) (born Govindaswamy Karuppiah Vasan, December 28, 1964) is an Indian Politician and son of veteran congress leader, Ayya G. K Moopanar. He is currently the president of Tamil Maanila Congress (M), a political party in the state of Tamilnadu^[7], India and was a member of Rajya Sabha, an upper house of Indian Parliament from the year 2002 until 2014^[8]. During his tenure as Member of Indian Parliament, he has functioned in several positions in the Union Government under UPA 1 & II regime including as a Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation from Jan 2006 – May 2009^[9] and Union Minister of Shipping from May 2009 – May 2014.^[10]

He comes from Thanjavur District, Tamilnadu. The forefathers of Ayya G. K Vasan were landlords on a scale now unimaginable. In fact, during the pre-Independence period, all of Thanjavur comprised merely five villages, and his family clan ruled over the largest of them 'Kabisthalam' spreading over 4,000 acres of the richest arable land in the region. It was called as 'Moopanar Desam', meaning Moopanar Nation. The legacy of Moopanar family, for the service to Humanity (Charity and Anna Thaanan, a sacred offering of food) is recorded in the history and one such is documented in archontology of Serfoji Bhonsle Empire, one of the rulers of Thanjavur.

He is an avid admirer of Carnatic music, happened to develop out of natural bonding between Cauvery and Carnatic music. He is currently the Chairman of 'Thiruvayiru Thyagabrahma Mahotasa Sabha' which sponsors an 'Annual Aradhana Festival of Thyagaraja'. He shows great interest in the activities of Sabha like his father Ayya G. K Moopanar whose period as a president of 'Thiruvayiru Thyagabrahma Mahotasa Sabha' saw a greatest achievements in making the programme, all India and International festival^[11].  

Ayya G. K Vasan is nationally recognized as a person strongly committed to National interest. 

Music is a great instrument of National Integration and a holy concert to God. Music does wonders and playing 'Nagaswaram and Thavil are ‘Mangala Isai’ means auspicious Music for all occasions[12].                                                

Family and Education

Govindaswamy Karuppiah Vasan, better known as Ayya G. K Vasan was born on December 28, 1964 in Sundara Perumalkoil, Thanjavur Dist in Tamilnadu to an affluent agricultural landlord family to Ayya G. K. Moopanar and Amma Kasthuri Moopanar. The family has a historical presence both in pre and post Indian independence era. The Moopanar family actively supported the Indian freedom struggle movement and extended all assistance to Indian freedom fighters. The family is acclaimed for their service to humanity by means of charity and other social welfare measures. One such historic event is a voluntary effort for a genuine social justice; the family have distributed their vast land holding to the society and various temples, even well before the Land Ceiling Act were enacted^[13] by the Indian government, an act for fixing the ceiling on land ownership and redistribute the land to landless needy citizens.

Founding father, Ayya G. K Moopanar.

His father Ayya G. K Moopanar was a great secular statesman committed to nation building. He had played a major key role in socio-political activities and have keenly voiced major undertakings of Indian National Congress, ever since from first general election to Indian Parliament. He devoted himself for the service to Humanity and was a hardcore follower and next in heir and lovable son to Freedom Fighter, Bharat Ratna, then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu K. Kamarajar. In honoring the contribution of Ayya G. K Moopanar; the Indian Postal department commemorated him by releasing a stamp in the year 2010.

Ayya G.K Vasan completed his schooling from Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School in Chennai and went on to complete his graduation in B.A. (Corporate Secretaryship) from The New College, Madras University, Chennai, Tamilnadu. He is married to Shrimati Sunitha Vasan, daughter of Dr. N. Lakshmi Narayanan, Professor of Medicine and Shrimathi Sulochana.

Shrimathi Sunitha Vasan is an university gold medal grades in her both (M.A) academic programmes. She has graduated in ‘Master of Arts (M.A) in Psychology, from SIET College; Madras University and Mater of Arts (M.A) in Sociology, from Pondicherry University. She is a qualified counselor, both in academic and personal and she actively involves in developing academic curriculum for special children’s. She also engages with Non-Government Organizations (NGO's) for socio-academic counselling and promotes welfare measures.

Both have a son, Shri G.K.V Pranav.

Political Career

Union Minister of Shipping (May 2009 – May 2014)

The Shipping Ministry under the able guidance of Ayya G. K Vasan saw a stupendous growth in both infrastructure and economic performance. The industry registered a several landmark achievements during his tenure and claimed India would be the next hub for ship building industry^[14]. The following are the major achievements during his tenure, acclaims applauds.

Achievements

• Ayya G. K Vasan chose his primary assignment to 'Reform and Modernize' the operation of shipping industry by introducing 'e- auction tendering system'^[15], 'revival strategy for 133 nos of non-functional ports and revised the 'auction rate for the land lease'^[16].
  1. The Ministry of Shipping is the only Ministry to have a sector specific Land Policy Guideline approved by the Cabinet, a step towards 'Transparency and Accountability' in leasing of port lands^[17].
• As the head of India's shipping ministry, the cabinet awarded about '88 new projects with an investment of INR 42,953 Crore'^[18][19]. to enhance the marine infrastructure and successfully concluded the ministerial term with a virtue of 'Impressive performance with high integrity, simplicity and transparency'^[20][21].
• The 'Shipping Corporation of India' an Navaratna Status PSU under the Ministry of Shipping, saw a significant growth making then Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee to express hope (in 2010) that the SCI, which is a ‘Navratna’ company, will get ‘Maharatna’ status soon^[22].

• 'Design and build an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant', by making India the 5^th country^[23], next to US, the UK, Russia and France to hold an independent capability^[24][25]. Ayya G. K Vasan laid the foundation stone for India’s largest container handling terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mumbai^[26] and positioned JNPT at rank 26th among the top 100 container ports in the world in 2013^[27].

• Achieving two milestones in 2011 in the annals of Indian maritime history.

1. Indian shipping tonnage crossed, the 10 million mark^[28] and target was set to achieve 43 million Gross Tonnage by 2020^[29].
2. The aggregate cargo handling capacity across all ports, crossed '1 billion Tons'^[30].

• Ayya G. K Vasan averted the biggest thread in maritime world 'The nationwide hunger strike by port workers in 2010' by bringing an amicable acceptance between union federations and port administration and ensured an uninterrupted cargo trade of 580 million tons and brought fulfillment to 60,000 port workers^[31].
• The ministry launched the vision document 'Maritime Agenda 2020' a road map to build a 3200 MMTPA of port capacity and infuse an estimated investment of Rs. 3 lakh crore by 2020 to make India a global hub for marine industry^[32].
• In the remembrance of invaluable contributions made during the freedom struggle; the Union Minister of Shipping in 2014 honored the legacy of freedom fighters (Perunthalaivar K. Kamarajar and V.O Chidambaranar Pillai) by re-titling the ‘Ennore Port’ as 'Kamarajar Port'^[33] and ‘Tuticorin Port’ as ‘V.O. Chidambaranar Port’^[34]. It is only next to Pundit. Jawaharlal Nehru, a leader name is titled for ports in India^[35].
• During his tenure, the Kamarajar port (Chennai) realized a tremendous growth both in economic performance and Infrastructure development:
  1. Port achieved a '2 fold growth rate of 30 MTPA in 2014 and was declared as '12th largest port in India'.
  2. Exported 2,00,000 nos of cars through the Kamarajar port.
  3. Automobile maker Toyota, commenced the export of cars from the Kamarajar port.
  4. Automobile makers Nissan and Ford also inked an agreement to export their cars from the Kamarajar port.
  5. The port was enhanced with an establishment of 'Multipurpose Terminal, LNG Terminal, Coal Terminal, Container Terminal, Cargo Terminal and Rail Siding Track with Chennai – Delhi rail route.
• The V.O Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin) as part of port revamp strategy during his tenure, saw an amazing growth:
  1. Infrastructure projects worth Rs.27,841 crore were infused to handle a massive volume of trade (413 million tons) and positioned itself as 10th largest port in India.
  2. The port was enhanced with an establishment of 'Modern Green Gate Entry Complex, Vessel Traffic Management with advanced port security system and an occupational health centre to benefit 800 workers at the port.
  3. The port was also enhanced on tourism prospects by commencing a passenger terminal; a voyage to Sri Lanka from Tuticorin, Tamilnadu.
  4. Ayya G. K Vasan extended his kindness by accommodating '993 port workers in permanent role employees in port management, a dream come true for port workers after 30 years of long struggle for their livelihood.
  5. Established Kendra Vidyala school and also inaugurated the Maritime Training Institute at the port to provide a quality education to regional students.
• The ministry as part of revamp programme, augmented the infrastructure requirement in 'Port Blair' to improve the maritime Indian trade and positioned the port as '13th Major Port in India'.
• The ministry inaugurated the 'First International Seafarers Day' in 2011 to mark the importance of Safety, Welfare & Security of Seafarers and honored the Indian seafarers for their contribution to world economic trade.
• The ministry had raised the piracy issue at international forums (UN security Council and IMO) for an ‘unified UN Security Force’ to combat piracy, secure the men and safely deliver more than 90% of world’s goods trade.
• For women empowerment; Ayya G. K Vasan voiced for larger recruitment of women as seafarers and believed women participation will be phenomenal, knowing their excellence in other sectors.
• The ministry was more considerate to open a thought for granting IT exemption, Tax concession and Pension benefits for Indian seafarers; a candid initiative where whole of shipping fraternity remembers Him.

MoS (Independent Charge) Statistics & Programme Implementation (Jan 2006 – May 2009)

Ayya G. K Vasan was first inducted in the Dr. Manmohan Sign UPA I Union Government as a cabinet minister MoS (Independent Charge) Statistics & Programme Implementation. The Ministry has two wings, one relating to Statistics and the other Programme Implementation.

The following are the major achievements of the ministry under his able guidance:

Achievements

• 'Birth Anniversary (June 29th) of Prof. P C Mahalanobis was declared as the 'National Statistical Day' in honoring the contributions made in the field of Statistics and Economic Planning^[36].

• • The operationalization of the 'National Statistical Commission' was an important initiative to bring about quality and transparency in official statistics and it served as the key recommendation provider on latest statistical standards and policy initiatives.
  • Enacted the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 which replaced the Collection of Statistics Act, 1953 to significantly empowers the data collection mechanism at all levels of government^[37].
• Established 'National Academy of Statistical Administration' to bring out a best statistical minds at par with international standard^[38].

• Human resource development in the field of Statistics was reformed. The 1st ever comprehensive cadre review was established by upgrading 127 Directors (NFSG) level posts to SAG (Joint Secretary) level in the Indian Statistical  Service and introduced subordinate Group B and Group C level officers in the Statistical Department.
• Released the 'First Millennium Development Goals India Country Report; a set of 8 goals primarily linking to participatory governance for overall Rural Development.
• Under the Pogramme Implementation; with concerted efforts enhanced the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund from INR 2 crore to INR 5 crore and issued the comprehensive guidelines on scheme concept, implementation and monitoring^[39].
• A Twenty Point Programme as part of Social Justice was restructured with inclusion of new schemes like 'National Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), Rural Business Hubs, Local Self Government both in urban local bodies and panchayat raj, Prevention of child labor, HIV/AIDS, Mid day Meal etc;
• A software was set up to monitor and enable online access to MPLADS works, which ensured improved transparency and e-governance.
• The ministry newly initiated 'Physical Monitoring System' of MPLADS works through NABARD consultancy services. The outcome was an improved performance in the work completion, an enhancement from 80.14% in March 2004 to 90.01% in the succeeding year.
• Due to efficient monitoring, project control and implementation; the administration ensured an efficient rate of project completion on a reduced project cost. The ministry had about 840 projects worth of INR 3,63,346 Crore from across 11 key sectors (Power, Coal, Steel, Railway, Port, Communication, Fertilizer, Cement, Petroleum, Civil Aviation and Roads) and successful achieved the performance index with a reduced project cost over run from 62% in March 1991 to an impressive rate of 15.5% in Sept, 2006 with respect to the original approved budgeted cost.

Minister G. K Vasan had urged the state governments to induct a 'Statistical Commission' and a separate 'Department of Statistics' in all states to strengthen the statistical system in India[40].

Elected to Rajya Sabha in the Year 2002

Ayya G. K Vasan was elected to Rajya Sabha in the year 2002 and was a member of Parliament until the year 2014. As a member of Rajya Sabha, an upper house of Indian Parliament, he was part of several administrative consultative committee on policies and programmes of the Government. As a rural resident himself, he constantly strives to empower the local bodies and in the process, had actively associated as the member of:

• Consultative committee for the Ministry of Agriculture (Year 2002-2004), dynamically backed the measures for 'National food security and build a vibrant rural economy'.
• He actively participated in the parliamentary bill for 'The Provisions of the Municipalities (Ext.to the Scheduled Areas), a setup for urban local bodies in the scheduled areas.
• Departmentally-Related Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development (Year 2003-2004).
• Committee on Urban and Rural Development (Year 2003-2004).
• Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Year 2003-2004).
• Member, Committee on Coal and Steel (Year 2004-2006).
• Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Urban Development (Year 2004-2006).

Political Office

• President, Tamil Maanila Congress (M)  : From Aug 2001 – Aug 2002 and Incumbent from May 2014.
• Secretary, All India Congress Committee (AICC) : From Aug 2002 – Nov 2003.
• President, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee  : From Nov 2003 – Feb 2006.

Cultural / Recreation / Club

• Chairman  : Thiruvayiru Thyagabrahma Sabha.
• Life Member: Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
• Life Member: Cosmopolitan Club, Chennai.
• Life Member: Constitution Club, New Delhi.

References

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