Leading technocrat Krishnamurthy no more

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 26

Leading technocrat V Krishnamurthy, who headed three major companies — BHEL, Maruti Udyog and SAIL — during the 1970s and 1980s and was credited for their turnaround, is no more. He was 97.

Headed Maruti Udyog

• V Krishnamurthy headed three major companies — BHEL, Maruti Udyog and SAIL — during 1970s and 1980s
• Served in Union Planning Commission twice — in 1950s and early 1990s

A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Krishnamurthy passed away at his Chennai home today. The last rites will be performed at 3 pm on Monday.

Condoling Krishnamurthy’s demise, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “A true legend among public sector managers, a man who built BHEL, turned around SAIL and launched Maruti is no more. He will remain an important part of India’s economic history.”

He was head of the National Manufacturing Competitive Council between 2004 and 2014 during the Congress-led UPA regime and held the rank of a Cabinet Minister in the Government of India. Among various positions he held were — Chairman and CEO, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) (1972-1977); Chairman and CEO, Maruti Udyog Limited (1981-1990); Chairman and CEO, Steel Authority of India Limited (1985-1990) and Member, Planning Commission and Member, National Advisory Council (2004-2008) which Sonia Gandhi headed.

In his book “At the Helm”, Krishnamurthy had dwelt in detail on the nuances of the now-disbanded Planning Commission and said the panel was indeed an intellectually vibrant place in the 1950s.

Expressing deep condolences, former J&K Governor NN Vohra said: “Krishnamurthy’s momentous contributions were during a period when the advice of competent civil servants and technocrats was highly respected and accepted without debate.”