Suresh Prabhu completed his schooling from Sharadashram Vidya Mandir, Dadar, Mumbai, followed by a Bachelor in Commerce with Honours from M. L. Dahanukar College, Vile Parle, Mumbai.[9] He received a Bachelor in Law degree from the New Law College (Ruparel College campus), Mumbai.[10] Prabhu is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He was All India 11th (eleventh) rank holder in CA exams.[9][11][12]
Prabhu has held several government and semi government positions, which includes the Chairmanship of Maharashtra State Finance Commission, Saraswat Co-operative Bank, National Cooperation Policy[13] Member of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Board, among others. He is a part of 16 global organizations and 9 strategic dialogues which include:
As Industries Minister, brought about greater transparency in functioning and fuel clearance of pending works.[18]
Union Minister For Environment and Forests (1998-99)
Instrumental in preparation of a comprehensive National Environment Action Plan having time bound programs for abatement of pollution in the country[19]
Introduced 100% centrally funded Schemes for reducing pollution in 22 major cities of India[20]
Introduced unleaded petrol in National Capital Territory to control pollution levels[21]
Instrumental in setting up of Indian Centre for the Promotion of Cleaner Technologies (ICPC) in association with the World Bank, industries, academic institution and other agencies
Formed Environment Surveillance Squads in the Central Pollution Control Board to enforce pollution control systems on polluting industries
Streamlined procedures for environmental clearances and introduced transparency by bringing all works regarding environment and forest clearances on Internet
Instrumental in strengthening the monitoring system for achieving better compliance of stipulated conditions in environmental clearances
Issued notification to make Environmental Impact Assessment compulsory for 29 developmental activities[23]
Instrumental in project involving Asian Development Bank for strengthening Environment Impact Assessment and Environment Legislation
Legislative Initiatives
Instrumental in preparation of a draft Biological Diversity Act for conservation, sustainable utilization and equitable sharing of biological resources[24]
Prepared draft "Recycled Plastics Usage Rules" which envisaged prohibiting/restricting the use of plastics[28]
Examined the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules
Conservation of Natural Resources
Prepared a detailed action plan for achieving 33% forest cover in the country[29]
Set up the National Committee for identification of Eco-sensitive zones
Launched the Bamboo Development Plan for the country, signed multiple treaties with INBAR and Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Centre
Revised Project "Modern Forest Fire Control Methods" to effectively prevent forest fire incidents in the country
Launched the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) scheme with the objective of utilizing remote sensing technology to monitor natural resources and facilitate sustainable development
Made Joint Forest Management (JFM) system an integral part of all forestry projects. Created Joint Forest Management Cell to monitor implementation
Prepared proposal for centrally sponsored ‘Integrated Forest Protection Scheme’
Prepared National Perspective plan to rehabilitate the forest and non forest wastelands
Created an Environment Fund to plough back the fines collected for violation of environmental laws
Successfully ran a nationwide awareness campaign for forest and environment conservation
Created protection squads in all Project Tiger areas affected by insurgency
Banned export of antlers of deer and 29 species of medicinal plants
Financial assistance provided to 28 National Parks and 107 sanctuaries in 23 states
Launched Project Turtle, a new initiative for the conservation of the Olive Ridley Turtle
Prepared proposal for Biodiversity Diversity Act after a detailed and transparent consultative process
Proposed setting up of a Biodiversity Information Network
Several initiatives taken to improve implementation of Ganga Action Plan and National River Conservation Plan
Union Power Minister (2000-02)
As the Union Minister for Power, he won praise for his performance from The Indian Express.[30] As Minister of Power, he ushered in transformational policies in Power sector with thrust on rural-electrification, T&D reforms; encouraged big ticket investments and batted for Sustainable Power Development, etc. mentioned as under:
Power Generation Augmentation
Prepared an action plan for creation of an additional capacity of 1,00,000 MW to give power on demand by 2012[31]
Executed resource planning for building additional power generation capacity. Took steps to set up alternate payment security mechanism for the investors as an interim resource mobilization strategy[32][33]
Set up Power Projects Monitoring Committee to expedite speed of commissioning of generation facilities[34]
Renovation and Modernization action plan formulated for 170 thermal power units and 35 hydro units with total generation capacity of 14,000MW[35]
Policy Measures
Executed resource planning for building additional power generation capacity. Took steps to set up alternate payment security mechanism for the investors as an interim resource mobilization strategy[36]
Initiatives taken which resulted in signing of MoUs with States for undertaking reforms and restructuring in a time bound manner
Instrumental in the implementation of the landmark tripartite agreement which allowed the Union government to recover the amounts due from the states by deducting them from central devolution[37]
Executed the Accelerated Power Development Program (APDP)[38]
Implemented a special aid package under the Accelerated Power Development Program for the reforming States in order to encourage distribution reforms[38]
Formed National Power Grid to enable power transfer from power surplus regions to power deficit regions and enable optimal development and utilization of coal and hydro resources economically[39]
Undertook policy measures to accelerate hydro power development by laying emphasis on basin-wise development[40][41][42]
Chairperson, Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers (2002-04)
Chaired the comprehensive program of Government of India aimed at insuring the country against water stress through linkage of major rivers in the Himalayan and Peninsular regions of the country[43]
Steered the Task Force towards making an action plan for completion of the feasibility studies and providing guidance on norms of appraisal of individual projects in respect of socio-economic impacts, environmental impacts and economic viability
Prepared ground for reaching consensus with the concerned State Governments on the program of interlinking of rivers[44]
Union Railway Minister (2014-17)
Prabhu taking charge as the Union Minister for Railways, in New Delhi on 10 November 2014
On 9 November 2014, he was sworn in as Cabinet minister in the Narendra Modi government. He was the Union Railway Minister of India from November 2014 to September 2017.[45][46]
Introduced one of the world's cheapest travel insurance plan for passengers which has now been made free of cost[47]
The Indian railways was deployed for sending disaster relief supplies at an unprecedented scale.
Jaldoot water trains were sent to drought hit areas of Maharashtra[48]
155,949 additional berths made available in last 3 years through coach augmentation[55]
Took many initiatives for Divyangs: Braille signage, toilets, E-wheelchair, battery operated cars, policy allowing Divyangs to avail concession even while travelling without escort Janani Sewa launched to provide services to mothers of infants[56]
Introduced Single person accountability introduced for all facilities on trains[57]
Launched Mission Retrofit to revamp 40,000 coaches[58]
In a bid to enhance consumer experience initiated installation of elevators and escalators at stations along with widening of footover bridges Initiated the process of installing CCTV cameras in ladies compartment to boost security[59]
100% FDI allowed in identified areas of railway sector[60]
Initiated merger of rail budget with general budget as part of reform agenda[61]
Chaired various Roundtable discussions to reach out to Railways’ stakeholders, seek and incorporate their feedback[62]
Infrastructure Creation: Grave traction to speedy Creation of Infrastructure in Railways
Substantially increased the average km broad gauge lines commissioned to 7.7 km/day against past average of 4.3 km/day[63]
Commissioned highest ever 45 freight terminals in 2016–17 with total of 109 in last three years[64]
Commissioned highest ever 1306 Road Over Bridges and subways in 2016–17, total 3,486 in last 3 years[65]
Leading Station Redevelopment Program: Largest transit oriented development program across the world worth ₹1,00,000 crores to redevelop 400 stations[66]
Launched Final Location survey for BG line rail connectivity for the Chardham Pilgrimage[67]
Final Location survey for BG line rail connectivity between Manali and Leh[68]
Piloted Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) - Phase III project to augment infra in Mumbai suburban rail[69]
Effected direct procurement of about 750 MW of power by Ministry of Railways under Open Access, reduction in Traction power bill of ₹1400 crores[70]
Provided 69,200 bio-toilets in trains in the last three years, record number of 34078 Bio Toilets provided in 2016-17[71]
New Water policy launched for restoration of water bodies, establishing water recycling plants, rain water harvesting, efficient water usage, automatic coach washing plants etc.[72]
Launched Mission 41K to achieve savings of ₹41k crores through energy efficiency[73]
10 MW Solar Plants installed. Massive solarisation (1000 MW Solar Power Plants) planned [74]
Expanded the scope and expedited the implementation of accounting reforms in Indian Railways[75]
Process of transfers and postings in key positions made absolutely transparent[76]
Effected monitoring of zonal railways through MoUs based on quantifiable performance parameters [77]
Launched "Nivaran", an online platform for employees to lodge their grievances[78]
Eliminated Interviews for all recruitments for Staff at Group C & D level[79]
Union Commerce & Industry Minister (2017-19)
Prabhu taking charge as the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, in New Delhi on 4 September 2017
He has been the minister of Commerce and Industry since September 2017. He was elected as Rajya Sabha member from the state of Andhra Pradesh on 3 June 2016.[80] During his tenure, he took several steps to boost manufacturing in India. Details of few major reforms are as under:
Boosting domestic manufacturing at the district level to achieve US$5 trillion economy
Initiated the Start- the pilot District Level Development plan in six districts across five states with a focus on interventions critical to boosting manufacturing at the district level[81]
Initiated the process of introducing the EODB framework at the district Level[82][83]
Trade promotion: Taking steps towards a more focused approach towards export promotion
Drove policies which resulted in India registering its highest ever merchandise exports of over US$330 billion in 2018-19[84][85]
Achieved a massive US$10 billion cut in trade deficit with China in 1 year; this was the first time in 30 years that trade deficit with China reduced[86]
Introduced India's 1st ever Agriculture Export Policy to address barriers in the agricultural sector; the policy is aimed at doubling the agricultural exports in 2018 to US$60 billion by 2022[87]
Achieved a 97% resolution rate of grievances received from the domestic exporter community through digitization in the first year
Working on the introduction of a State Led Export Policy in a bid to boost trade related cooperative federalism
Created a high-level group of experts committee to create out of the box approaches to contemporary scenarios of trade.[88]
Earmarked ₹ 5,000 crores to boost exports across 12 Champion Services Sectors [89]
Pivoting multilateralism on India
Continuous efforts towards making India a focal point in new power dynamics in trade multilateralism; organized a special mini Ministerial WTO meet in India[90][91]
Investment Promotion
Reinforcing the efforts towards increasing the Ease of Doing Business in India for both foreign and domestic players. India now ranks first in Ease of Doing Business report among South Asian countries as compared to 6th in 2014. India now ranks 77 in the World Bank's EODB ranking, leaping up by 23 ranks.[92]
In the last four years, India has received FDI worth 263 billion US dollars which is 45 percent of the FDI received in the last 18 years.[93]
Focus on improving District Level EODB with a target of achieving an additional GDP growth of 2-3 percent at the district level.[94][95]
Drove investments into 35 alternative investment funds by mobilizing a ~USD 1.5 billions corpus for startups aimed at boosting entrepreneurship across India[96]
Pillar of Support for Indian Manufacturing
Initiated the pilot District Level Development plan in six districts across five states with a focus on interventions critical to boosting manufacturing at the district level. Start-up India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong ecosystem that is conducive for the growth of start-up businesses, to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. The number of recognized startups by the Ministry crossed 15,000. Total employment generated because of that has been for over 130,000 persons.[81]
Launched an intensive market access campaign for GI, in order to give a fillip to the grassroot entrepreneurs and manufacturing of local goods. Total number of products carrying GI tags increased to ~300 and GI specific stores were opened at airports across India[97]
Working on creating a master plan for Make in India 2.0 with to boost domestic manufacturing with an ultimate target of creating a million plus jobs in the next year[98]
Domestic Council for Gems & Jewellery launched[99]
Launched SEZ 2.0 policy framework under the chairmanship of Sh. Baba Kalyani, chairman, Bharat Forge[100]
Made key policies for greater flow of credit to the export sector[101]
Committed to Technology, Innovation skills and known for path breaking initiatives, particularly in Railways and Power
Setting up a dedicated Data Analytics Unit under the ministry, which will assist decision makers at the top level in driving short-term and long-term data/ evidence driven policy making[102]
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) was set up as the National Public Procurement Portal in August 2016 for facilitating completely online and transparent system for procurement of goods and services. GeM platform saw transactions worth ₹ 17,500 crores in last 2 years, resulting in an average saving of 25-28%[103][104]
Forward looking Policy Making
Initiated the development of India's New Industrial Policy with a focus on boosting sustainable manufacturing in India[105]
Initiated the development of India's first ever National e-Commerce Policy[106]
Created an action-oriented plan to further diversify the economy with an eye on future sustainability[107][108]
Created a plan for mainstreaming the use of technology in across every aspect of governance[109]
Implemented the strategy for enhancing market access for Indian GIS[107]
Drove the implementation of the regional connectivity scheme or UDAN - More than 12 lakh passengers flown under UDAN until 31 January 2019. In 28 months of UDAN, 69 unserved airports, 31 helicopters and 6 water drones were awarded.[115]
AIR SEWA 2.0 - Upgraded passenger grievance redressal portal AirSewa 2.0 launched in 2018. 96% of the passenger grievances, lodged through Passenger Grievance Portal Air Sewa, were resolved[116]
DIGIYATRA - Digi Yatra is a new initiative of the Ministry to provide hassle-free travel of passengers through airport all the way to the aircraft. The Digi Yatra is to be implemented shortly at six airports by Airports Authority of India.[117]
Digi Sky – In the process of setting up an online platform for registering and grant of permit for drones, held the first ever Global Aviation Meet aimed at identifying interventions to boost aircraft manufacturing in India[118]
NABH - Working on a pan India Airport Modernization Plan[113]
Facilitating the implementation of setting up of water aerodromes across five states in the country[119]
Awards and recognition
Suresh Prabhu received the Goud Saraswat Brahmin Samaj Maharatha Award on 18 August 2016.[120][121]
He has constantly featured in the list of top five ministers in India from 2014 to 2017 in terms of both performance and accessibility in nationwide surveys conducted by various institutions.[122][123]
Declared "Best Member of Parliament in 13th Lok Sabha" in April 2004 by Aaj Tak, a leading TV Channel in India.
Featured amongst top three Indian leaders of the future in the cover story, "Giant on the Move" (Sept 2000 issue) of the Hong Kong-based Asiaweek Magazine.
Ranked as the 2nd best performing Minister in India Today's report (dated 27 August 2001) on the performance of key ministers of Government of India.
