Neelkanth Mishra appointed part-time chairman of UIDAI

The Centre has announced the appointment of Neelkanth Mishra as the part-time Chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Mr. Mishra, known for his expertise in economics and research, currently serves as the Chief Economist of Axis Bank and also holds the position of Head of Global Research at Axis Capital.

Diverse Background and Expertise

• Neelkanth Mishra boasts an impressive professional journey that spans several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the world of finance and research. Prior to his association with Axis Bank, he spent twenty years at Credit Suisse, a prominent financial institution based in Zurich.
• Throughout his tenure, Mishra held various crucial roles, such as co-head of APAC Strategy, India Equity Strategy Head, and Head of Research in India. This diverse range of responsibilities allowed him to gain an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of financial markets, strategic planning, and economic analysis.
• Mishra is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. His combination of academic excellence and hands-on experience in the financial industry positions him as a versatile leader capable of guiding UIDAI in its mission to provide unique identification to Indian citizens.

Mausam and Nilesh Shah Join as Part-Time Members

In addition to appointing Neelkanth Mishra as the part-time Chairperson, the government has also announced the appointment of two distinguished individuals as part-time Members of the UIDAI.

• Mausam, an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, brings technical expertise to the table. His background in computer science and research is expected to contribute to UIDAI’s technological advancements and data security efforts.
• Nilesh Shah, the Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited, is another notable addition to the UIDAI team. With a rich background in finance and investment management, Shah’s insights into financial markets and strategic planning are anticipated to complement the Authority’s initiatives.

Term and Tenure

According to a notification by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, both the Chairperson and the Members appointed to UIDAI will hold their positions for a term of three years or until they reach the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier. This provision ensures a consistent leadership structure while allowing for the infusion of fresh perspectives and expertise at regular intervals.