An all-India second rank holder chartered accountant and second-rank holder in law in Mumbai University, Union Minister Piyush Goyal brings his intelligence and drive to the multiple portfolios he expertly handles. No wonder he is considered one of the shining stars of the Union Cabinet.

By Naina Nambiar

Whether reminding the opposition, “Kaala kapda, kaala kaam, nahin sahega Hindustan,” or lauding the “rare moment of equilibrium” of India under a Government guided by PM Modi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal (59) enjoys the reputation of being one of the more dynamic, smart and popular ministers in the cabinet. His capability is seen in his holding of multiple portfolios — he is the Minister of Commerce & Industry (2019-present), Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (2020-present), Textiles (2021-present), and is also leader of the Rajya Sabha (2021-present). Previously, he has also held the portfolio of Minister of Railways, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Coal, Power, New and Renewable Energy and Mines.

Success Story

It was during his tenure as Minister of Commerce & Industry in 2021-22 that the country achieved its highest ever exports of approximately $675 billion. He also led the signing of the fastest ever negotiated free trade agreement (FTA) globally with UAE. This was in addition to the India-Australia economic cooperation and trade agreement (ECTA), which was India’s first agreement with a developed country after a decade. He also oversaw the launch of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. These schemes were designed to train the focus on manufacturing, as well as highlight its importance in propelling growth and job-creation.

During his second stint as the interim Finance Minister, his interim budget saw the rollout of the PM-KISAN scheme. This was a direct cash income support scheme for small and marginal farmers. He also introduced an income-tax rebate for middle-class taxpayers.

Under his aegis as Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, he played a key role in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) – the world’s largest food security programme. Under the scheme, free foodgrains were distributed to nearly 80 crore people over two years. This helped provide support to the poor, vulnerable and weaker sections of society, who were worst impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

During his tenure as Minister of Railways, India reportedly achieved the best ever safety record of zero passenger deaths in rail accidents.

He led transformational changes in India’s power, coal and new and renewable energy ministries. His tenure as the power minister saw the rollout of the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), and the fast-tracking of electrification of nearly 18,000 unelectrified villages under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya). He also successfully implemented the world’s largest LED bulb distribution programme (UJALA) for energy efficiency. His achievements earned him the 4th Annual Carnot Prize in 2018, recognising the path-breaking transformations in India’s energy sector.

In the course of his political career spanning 35 years, he has held several important positions at different levels in the BJP and is in its national executive. He has been the National Treasurer of the party. In the 2019 Indian general elections, he was a member of the manifesto and publicity committees. For the Indian General Elections 2014, he headed the BJP’s information communication campaign committee.

Shining Streak

Born on June 13, 1964 into a family embedded in politics, his mother Chandrakanta Goyal was elected thrice to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Mumbai. His father Vedprakash Goyal was the Union Minister of Shipping, and also served as the National Treasurer of the BJP for over two decades. He did his schooling from Don Bosco High School, Matunga, Mumbai, and would go on to carve a brilliant academic career. An all-India second rank holder chartered accountant and second rank holder in law in Mumbai University, he has also advised top corporations on management strategy and growth. He has also served on the board of the State Bank of India – India’s largest commercial bank, as well as Bank of Baroda. In 2002, he was nominated by the Government of India to the task force for interlinking of rivers.

Penning Thoughts

A regular blogger, he is known to share his thoughts regularly with readers. In his blog titled ‘India Is Making Its Mark In The World’, he writes, “It (India) has begun to reap its demographic dividend. Remnants of red tape and corruption that slowed down its rise for decades are waning. The stark inequality that shackled the democracy of 1.4 billion people has started to thaw. The global recession that could torpedo India’s growth plans pre-2014, now face a more resilient economy that has learned to pivot, and spin them into opportunities for growth. India’s economy is no longer at the receiving end of the global order but is in the fray of the world’s most powerful future economies, with an unmatched growth rate. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says India and China will account for 50% of the total world gross domestic product growth in 2023, against 10% for the United States (US) and the Euro Zone.”

Other articles he has penned include ‘Charting India’s Rise To $1 Trillion Exports Each In Goods & Services!’ in which he wrote in ‘Hindustan Times’ on how the Modi government has run the extra mile to enable record-breaking exports numbers; ‘A GeM That Has Saved ₹40,000 Crore Of Your Money’ on how Government e-marketplace (GeM) is realising PM Narendra Modi’s commitment to Inclusive, transparent and efficient government procurement; and ‘Enabling A Textiles Boom’ on how the seven PM Mitra Parks will make India a global textiles hub.

Getting Personal

Married to Seema, an active social worker, the couple has two children – Dhruv and Radhika, who have both graduated from Harvard University, USA.

In 2021, on the occasion of their 30th wedding anniversary, he penned a sweet note for his wife on social media. He posted one of their wedding pictures, which shows his wife garlanding him, and another in which the smiling couple is seated shoulder to shoulder, his arm around her shoulder. “You complete me, Seema,” he wrote on Twitter, adding, “Happy 30th wedding anniversary.”

Previously too, the minister has shared pictures of him and his wife on social media. In 2019, on their wedding anniversary, he posted a picture with a caption that read, “As we celebrate another year of togetherness, I can’t thank Seema enough for being a part of my life and walking together every step of the way.”

Recently, he called the country a bright spot on which the whole world is relying, while talking about India as an emerging market and being the next investment destination.

There is no doubt that Piyush Goyal himself is another ‘bright spot’ on which the Indian Government relies.