N Vittal, a 1960 batch IAS officer has been awarded the Padma Bhusan Awards for 2012.
Vittal has held the appointments of chairman, Telecom Commission; secretary, Department of Telecommunications; chairman, Public Enterprises Selection Board; and Central Vigilance Commissioner.
His experience of 35 years in administrative service covered industrial administration, science and technology and security.
As Secretary to the Government of India, he initiated policies for boosting software, setting up software technology parks and strategic alliance with the industry. He was also successful in introducing the electronics hardware technology Park scheme to boost manufacture of electronic hardware.
He made the Department of Electronics a frontrunner in adjusting to the new industry-friendly policy, encouraging foreign direct investment from IBM and Motorola.
As Chairman, Telecom Commission, he initiated the process of liberalisation in the telecom sector and played a major role in getting the National Telecom Policy 1994 approved and announced.
