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{{fanpov|date=May 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{use Indian English|date=May 2017}}
{{Indian patronymic|Vasan|Govindaswamy Karuppiah}}

{{Infobox officeholder
| name = G. K Vasan
| image = GKVasan.jpg
| birth_name = Govindaswamy Karuppiah Vasan
| birth_date = {{birth date |1964|12|28|df=y}}
| birth_place = Sundara Perumalkoil, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| party = [[Tamil Maanila Congress|Tamil Maanila Congress (M)]] (From 2001-2002; From 2014-Till date)
| spouse = Sunitha Vasan
| children = G.K.V Pranav
| nationality = Indian
| website = [http://gkvasan.co.in/]
| office = President, [[Tamil Maanila Congress|Tamil Maanila Congress (M)]]<ref name="Elected as President of Tamil Maanila Congress (M)">{{cite news|title=Elected as President of Tamil Maanila Congress|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/g-k-vasan-elected-chief-of-tamil-maanila-congress/articleshow/47039445.cms}}</ref>
| term_start = 2014
| term_start1 =
| term_end1 = 2002
| parents = [[G K Moopanar|G.K Moopanar]]
Kasthuri Moopanar
| profession = [[Farmer]], [[Politician]]
| otherparty = [[Indian National Congress]] (From 2002 - 2014)
| alma_mater = [[New College, Chennai|The New College]], [[Madras University]]
| office2 = [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Union Minister of Shipping]]<ref name="UPA II List of Cabinet Ministers">{{cite news|title=UPA II List of Cabinet Ministers|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/manmohan-singhs-cabinet-full-list_808182.html}}</ref>
| termstart2 = May 2009
| termend2 = May 2014
| preceded2 = [[T R Baalu|T.R Baalu]]
| succeeded2 = [[Nitin Gadkari]]
| office3 = Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the [[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation|Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation]]
| termstart3 = Jan 2006
| termend3 = May 2009
| succeeded3 = [[D.V. Sadananda Gowda]]
| office4 = Member, Consultative Committee for the [[Ministry of Urban Development]] and [[Ministry of Coal|Committee on Coal]] and [[Ministry of Steel|Steel]]
| termstart4 = 2004
| termend4 = 2006
| office6 = [[Member of Parliament]] ([[Rajya Sabha]])
| termstart6 = 2 April 2002
| termend6 = 2 April 2014
| office7 = [[Member of Parliament]] ([[Rajya Sabha]])
| termstart7 = 3 April 2020
| office12 =
| termend12 =
| primeminister2 = [[Manmohan Singh]]
| primeminister3 = [[Manmohan Singh]]
}}

'''G. K. Vasan''' (born Govindaswamy Karuppiah Vasan, 28 December 1964) is an [[Politician|Indian Politician]] and son of [[G. K. Moopanar|G. K Moopanar]], a veteran [[Indian National Congress|Indian National Congress Leader]]. G K Vasan is currently the president of [[Tamil Maanila Congress|Tamil Maanila Congress (M)]], a [[political party]] in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]],<ref name="G.K Vasan elected chief of TMC">{{cite news|title=G.K Vasan elected chief of TMC|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/g-k-vasan-elected-chief-of-tamil-maanila-congress/articleshow/47039445.cms}}</ref> India.
He was a member of [[Rajya Sabha]], an upper house of [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] from the year 2002 until 2014.<ref name="Rajya Sabha Member">{{cite news|title=Rajya Sabha Member|url=http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/rajyasabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=1866}}</ref> During his tenure as a Member of [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]], he had functioned in several positions in the [[Government of India|Union Government]] under [[UPA Government|UPA 1 & UPA II]] regime including as a [[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation|Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation]] from Jan 2006 – May 2009;<ref name="Counsil of Ministers">{{cite news|title=Minister of State Independent Charge|url=http://india.gov.in/govt/cabinet.php|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518043435/http://india.gov.in/govt/cabinet.php|archive-date=18 May 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Minister of Shipping (India)|Union Minister of Shipping]] from May 2009 – May 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://india.gov.in/govt/cabinet.php|title=Council of Ministers - Who's Who - Government: National Portal of India|publisher=Government of India|access-date=2010-08-11|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813133910/http://india.gov.in/govt/cabinet.php|archive-date=13 August 2010}}</ref> and as an In-charge [[Ministry of Labour and Employment (India)|Minister for Labour]] from Jan 2014 - April 2014.

==Family and education==

Govindaswamy Karuppiah Vasan, better known as G. K Vasan was born on 28 December 1964 in [http://wikiedit.org/India/Sundaraperumalkoil/231623/ Sundara Perumal koil], [[Thanjavur]] Dist in [[Tamil Nadu]] to an affluent [[Agriculture|agricultural]] [[landlord]] family to [[G. K. Moopanar]] and Kasthuri Moopanar. [[G. K. Moopanar|G. K Moopanar]] was a great secular [[wikt:statesman|statesman]] committed to nation building. Ever since country's first general election to Indian parliament, he had played a major key role in socio-political undertakings in the [[Indian National Congress]]. his [[Ancestor|forefathers]] were [[landlord]]s. In fact, during the pre-Independence period, all of [[Thanjavur]] comprised merely of five provinces, and his family clan was one of the few who ruled over [http://www.rediff.com/news/apr/21shob.htm the richest arable land in the region, '][[Kabisthalam]]'. It was also called as 'Moopanar.<ref>http://www.lingo2word.com/lingodetail.php?WrdID=458458 Homeland</ref>
G.K Vasan did his schooling from [[M. C. C. Higher Secondary School|Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School]] in [[Chennai]] and completed his graduation in Bachelor of Arts ([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A]]) [http://www.thenewcollege.in/shift-1-bcom-corporate-secretaryship.php Corporate Secretaryship] from [http://www.thenewcollege.in/ The New College], [[University of Madras|Madras University]], [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]].
He is married to Shrimathi Sunitha Vasan, daughter of Dr. N. Lakshmi Narayanan, a [[Professor]] of [[Medicine]] and Shrimathi Sulochana.
Shrimathi Sunitha Vasan is a [[university]] [[gold medal]] grades in her both ([[Master of Arts|M.A]]) academic programmes. She has completed ‘[[Master of Arts]] (M.A) in [[Psychology]], from [http://www.jbascollege.edu.in/ SIET College]; [[University of Madras|Madras University]] and [[Master of Arts]] (M.A) in [[Sociology]], from [[Pondicherry University]]. She is a qualified counselor, both in academics and personal and does actively involve in developing [[Curriculum|academic curriculum]] for special children's.
They have a son, Shri G.K. Pranav.

==Political career==
In the initial phase of political career, G K Vasan though was not officially a chair in the party, yet actively involved in the political events in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. He was supportive to the G K Moopanar in his political administrations and did participate in election campaigns in [[Mayiladuthurai]] Parliament Constituency and [[Papanasam (state assembly constituency)|Papanasam State Assembly Constituency]]. After the demise of G K Moopanar in 2001, G K Vasan was unanimously elected as the President of Tamil Maanila Congress by the MPs, MLAs and senior functionaries of the party.

G K Vasan was then the youngest president of a State Political Party in India. Under his leadership, the party fielded 32 candidates in the [[2001 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|12th Tamil Nadu State Assembly election]] and won 23 constituencies by securing over 18.85 Lakhs votes.

In the year 2002, when the party (TMC) was most influential and strong both in organizational strength and political representation at state and centre; G K Vasan came forward to fulfill the wishes of [[G. K. Moopanar]] and millions of his party followers. On 14 August 2001, the party (TMC) under the leadership of G K Vasan and its MPs, MLA and millions of cadres got merged '''unconditionally''' with the [[Indian National Congress]].

After becoming a member in [[Indian National Congress]], G K Vasan played a major roles at both National and State Level politics. He became a Secretary (in 2002) of All India Congress Committee and rose to the level of becoming the youngest President of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in 2004; making him only next to Perunthalaivar K. Kamarajar who held the honour of being the youngest President of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

G K Vasan extensively toured the state to rejuvenate the party cadres and interacted with general public to strengthen the organisation. In his maiden election (13th Tamil Nadu State Assembly Election) as a President of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee; in an alliance with [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]], fielded 10 candidates and won all of them.

An act of recognition for his performance in state politics; Indian National Congress Committee elevated G K Vasan to become a Member of Rajya Sabha, an upper house of Indian Parliament in the year 2002.

G K Vasan was also privileged to be the youngest President of [[Tamil Nadu Congress Committee]]; making him until today, the only person next to [[Kamarajar|Perunthalaivar K. Kamarajar]] who held the honour of being the youngest President of [[Tamil Nadu Congress Committee]].

== Elected to Rajya Sabha, Member of Parliament 2002 - 2014 ==

G. K Vasan was elected from the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] to [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] in the year 2002. As a Member of Parliament, he was part of several administrative consultative committees on policies and programme implementations. As a rural resident himself, he constantly strives to empower the [[Local bodies in Tamil Nadu|local bodies]] and in the process, he was keenly associated as a member of:

Consultative committee for the [[Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare|Ministry of Agriculture]] (Year 2002–2004): whereby, dynamically backed the measures to build a vibrant rural economy and for '[[National Food Security Act, 2013|National Food Security]].

Departmentally-Related Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development (Year 2003–2004).

Committee on Urban and Rural Development (Year 2003–2004).

Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Year 2003–2004).

Member, Committee on Coal and Steel (Year 2004–2006).

Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Urban Development (Year 2004–2006).

Actively involved in the parliamentary bill 'The Provisions of the Municipalities (Ext.to the Scheduled Areas)'; a setup of urban local bodies in the scheduled areas.

==Union Minister of Shipping==

G. K Vasan was sworn in as Union Minister of Shipping under the leadership of [[Manmohan Singh|Dr. Manmohan Singh]], the 13th Prime Minister of India. The Shipping Ministry under his able guidance saw a stupendous growth both in infrastructure and economic performance. The industry registered several landmark achievements during his tenure and claimed India would be the next hub for ship building industry.<ref name="India Next hub for Ship building - G. K Vasan">{{cite news|title=India Next hub for Ship building - G. K Vasan|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/india-to-emerge-as-next-hub-of-ship-building-industry-g-k-vasan/articleshow/21779029.cms}}</ref>

G K Vasan was one of the very few cabinet ministers in UPA II, who continued to function in the same portfolio for the entire 5 years terms. A credit to his performance and Sincerity.

The following are the major achievements during his tenure, acclaims applauds.

'''<big>Achievements:</big>'''

The first assignment initiated was to 'Reform and Modernize' the operations of shipping industry by introducing 'e- auction tendering system',<ref name="e- auction tendering system">{{cite news|title=e- auction tendering system|url=http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/land%20policy%20guidelines%20for%20major%20ports%202014.pdf}}</ref> implementing revised 'auction rate for lease of lands which belongs to Indian Ports and introduced 'revival strategy for 133 nos of non-functional ports and revised the 'auction rate for the land lease'.<ref name="Fixed the Auction Rate for Land Lease">{{cite news|title=Fixed the Auction Rate for Land Lease|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/i-was-not-in-the-picture-in-kandla-port-land-leasing-scam-says-vasan/article3256806.ece}}</ref>

The shipping ministry under G K Vasan leadership; awarded about '88 new projects with an investment of INR 42,953 [[Crore]]'<ref name="Shipping Ministry approved 88 projects">{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/bmLJ0TQSLXo3RGmX8eIwCN/Approved-88-projects-worth-Rs42953-crore-in-4-years-GK-V.html|title=Shipping Ministry approved 88 projects}}</ref><ref name="88 new projects have been approved with an investment of Rs. 42,953">{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=104400|title=88 new projects have been approved with an investment of Rs. 42,953}}</ref> to enhance the marine infrastructure in our country and successfully concluded the ministerial term with a virtue of 'Impressive performance with high integrity, simplicity and transparency'.<ref name="Transparent Governance">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Kejriwal-reveals-Tamil-Nadu-ambitions-by-targeting-Chidambaram-Vasan/articleshow/29688373.cms|title=Transparent Governance}}</ref><ref name="Allegations are baseless-G.K Vasan">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/kejriwal-s-allegation-charges-against-me-are-baseless-vasan/story-gdOvyW5jjKtDe7w98DOdsI.html|title=Allegations are baseless-G.K Vasan}}</ref>
The Ministry of Shipping was the only office then, to have a sector specific 'Land Policy Guidelines' approved by the Cabinet; a step towards 'Transparency and Accountability'.<ref name="Sector specific Land Policy Guideline">{{cite news|title=Sector specific Land Policy Guideline|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=104400}}</ref>
The Shipping Ministry ([[Cochin Shipyard|Cochin Shipyard (CSL)]] in [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]]) 'designed and build an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, [[INS Vikrant (2013)|INS Vikrant]] for the Indian Navy'; making India, only the 5th country,<ref name="India becomes the fifth member in the elite club of nations">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kochi-gifts-Vikrant-to-India-as-the-world-takes-notice/articleshow_b2/21793381.cms?prtpage=1|title=India becomes the fifth member in the elite club of nations}}</ref> next to US, the UK, Russia and France to hold an independent capability.<ref name="1st Indigenous Aircraft">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vikrant-navys-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-launched|title=1st Indigenous Aircraft}}</ref><ref name="Ayya G. K Vasan Launched the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier">{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ins-vikrant-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-launched-seven-years-navy/1/299256.html|title=Ayya G. K Vasan Launched the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier}}</ref>

The [[Shipping Corporation of India]] (SCI)' an [[Public sector undertakings in India|PSU]] under the Ministry of Shipping, saw a significant growth making then [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Finance Minister]], [[Pranab Mukherjee|Mr. Pranab Mukherjee]] expressing hope (in 2010) that the [[Shipping Corporation of India|SCI]], which is a [[Navratna]] company, would certainly attain [[Maharatna]]’ status very sooner.<ref name="Maharatna status for SCI">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-logistics/shipowners-want-cargo-support-policy/article1005673.ece|title=Maharatna status for SCI}}</ref>

Averted the biggest thread in maritime world 'The nationwide hunger strike by port workers in 2010' by bringing an amicable acceptance between union federations and port administration. Thus it ensured an uninterrupted cargo trade of 580 million tons and brought happiness to 60,000 port workers.<ref name="G. K Vasan averts Port workers strike">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ports-strike-called-off-govt-gives-in-1331061|title=G. K Vasan averts Port workers strike}}</ref>

It was purely on his personnel interest; he intervened to hold 12 rounds of meeting with the labour unions and brought a solution to their long pending desires. '''To his credit; thereof never have been labour strikes in the shipping industry during his entire cabinet tenure.'''

Launched the vision document '[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=69044 Maritime Agenda 2020]' a road map to build a 3200 million [[tonne]]s per year of [[port]] capacity by infusing an estimated investment of Rs. 3 [[lakh]] [[crore]] by 2020 to position India as a global hub for [[Maritime transport|marine industry.]]<ref name="Maritime Agenda 2020-G.K Vasan">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/interviews/maritime-agenda-2020-is-a-perspective-plan-for-the-period-2010-2020-g-k-vasan/dhlarticleshow/16352437.cms|title=Maritime Agenda 2020-G. K Vasan}}</ref>
Honored the legacy of freedom fighters ([[K. Kamaraj|Perunthalaivar K. Kamarajar]] and [[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai|V.O Chidambaranar Pillai)]] by re-titling the ‘[[Ennore Port]]’ as '[[K. Kamaraj|Kamarajar Port]]'<ref name="Ennore Port Renamed to Kamarajar Port">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/renaming-port-after-kamarajar-a-fitting-tribute-to-former-cm/article5743035.ece|title=Ennore Port Renamed to Kamarajar Port}}</ref> and ‘[[Tuticorin Port Trust|Tuticorin Port]]’ as ‘[[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai|V.O. Chidambaranar Port]]’.<ref name="Tuticorin Port Renamed to V.O Chidambaranar Port">{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=69897|title=Tuticorin Port Renamed to V.O Chidambaranar Port}}</ref> '''It is only next to [[Jawaharlal Nehru|Pundit. Jawaharlal Nehru]], a leader name is titled for [[ports in India]].'''
Achieved '''2 greatest milestones (in 2011) in the annals of Indian Maritime History:'''
# Indian shipping tonnage crossed the 10 million mark''<ref name="shipping tonnage crossing the 10 million mark">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/ports-cargo-handling-capacity-tops-billion-tonnes/article1134305.ece|title=shipping tonnage crossing the 10 million mark}}</ref> with a target been set to achieve 43 million Gross Tonnage by 2020.<ref name="Maritime Agenda 2020">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Maritime-Agenda-2020-aims-to-increase-Indian-tonnage-four-fold/articleshow/7427401.cms|title=Maritime Agenda 2020}}</ref>''
# The aggregate cargo handling capacity across all ports in India, crossed '1 billion Tons'.<ref name="Ports' cargo handling capacity tops billion tonnes">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/article1134305.ece|title=Ports' cargo handling capacity tops billion tonnes}}</ref>
L<nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/>aid the foundation stone (in 2013) for India's largest container handling terminal at [[Jawaharlal Nehru Port|Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust]] ([[Jawaharlal Nehru Port|JNPT]]), Mumbai;<ref name="Foundation stone laid for JNPT Container Terminal">{{cite news|url=http://www.ecargolog.in/minister-of-shipping-g-k-vasan-lays-foundation-stone-of-jnpts-330-meter-standalone-container-terminal-project/|title=Foundation stone laid for JNPT Container Terminal}}</ref> thus positioning [[Jawaharlal Nehru Port|JNPT]] at '''rank 26th among the top 100 container ports in the world.<ref name="JNPT 26th Rank in Work">{{cite news|url=http://projectreporter.co.in/prcontentdetail.aspx?Id=58|title=JNPT 26th Rank in Work}}</ref>'''

The [[Tuticorin Port Trust|V.O Chidambaranar Port]] ([[Thoothukudi|Tuticorin]]) saw an amazing growth: Infrastructure projects worth Rs. 27,841 [[crore]] were infused to handle a massive volume of trade (413 [[1,000,000|million]] [[ton]]s) and positioned the port as 10th [[Ports in India|largest ports in India]].

The [[Ennore Port|Kamarajar Port]] ([[Chennai]]) do realized a tremendous growth both in economic performance and Infrastructure development: It achieved a '2 fold growth rate of 30 MTPA in 2014 to become the '[[Ports in India|12th largest ports in India]]'.

As part of revamp programme; augmented the infrastructure facilities at '[[Port Blair]]' and positioned it as '13th Major [[Ports in India]]'.
Launched the passenger ferry service between Tuticorin & Colombo to realize the dream of freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai. '''An initiative after 100 years of such maiden service launched by V.O Chidambaram Pillai in 1907.'''
Inaugurated '[https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/seafarer-day First International Seafarers Day]' (in 2011) marking the importance of safety, welfare & security of seafarers and honored the Indian [[Sailor|seafarers]] for their immense contribution to world economic trade.

Raised the [[Piracy|piracy issue]] at international forums ([[United Nations Security Council|UN security Council]] and [[International Maritime Organization|IMO]]) and proposed an ''''Unified UN Security Force'''' to combat piracy, secure men and safely deliver more than 90% of world's goods trade.

The ministry was more considerate to open a thought for granting [[Income tax in India|IT exemption]], tax concessions and [[pension]] benefits to [[India]]n [[Sailor|seafarers]]; a candid initiative where whole of shipping fraternity remembers Him, even today.
Women Empowerment: G K Vasan always believed Women are an integral part of our growth and hence voiced for larger recruitment of [[Sailor|Women as Seafarers]] in Marine Industry.

'''<big>MoS (Independent Charge) Statistics & Programme Implementation (Jan 2006 – May 2009)</big>'''

G. K Vasan was first inducted in the Union Cabinet under the leadership of [[Manmohan Singh|Dr. Manmohan Sign]], the 13th Prime Minister of India. He was sworn in as MoS (Independent Charge) for Statistics & Programme Implementation. The ministry under the able guidance of G. K Vasan realized several accomplishments that added value to enhance the performance of other Union Ministries.

The following are the major few achievements during his tenure:

'''<big>Achievements:</big>'''

Enacted the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 which replaced the Collection of Statistics Act, 1953 to significantly empower the data collection mechanism at all levels of government.<ref name="Collection of Statistics Act 2008">{{cite news|title=Collection of Statistics Act 2008|url=http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-collection-of-statistics-bill-2007-468/}}</ref>

First ever comprehensive cadre review (Human Resource Development) in the statistical department was successfully completed by upgrading 127 Directors (NFSG) level posts to SAG (Joint Secretary) level and newly introducing subordinate Group B and Group C level officer positions in the [[Indian statistical service|Indian Statistical  Service]].

G. K Vasan had urged all the state governments to induct a 'Statistical Commission' and a separate 'Department of Statistics' to strengthen the statistical system in India.<ref name="G. K Vasan urged for Statistical Commission at every State">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/All-the-information-you-need-may-soon-be-posted-in-public-domain/article15300390.ece|title=G. K Vasan urged for Statistical Commission at every State}}</ref>

Released the '[http://mospi.nic.in/publication/millennium-development-goalmdg-report First Millennium Development Goals India Country Report]: A set of 8 goals primarily linked to participatory governance for overall Rural Development.

A Twenty Point Programme as part of [[Social justice|Social Justice]] was restructured with inclusion of new schemes like '[[National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005|National Employment Guarantee Act]] (NREGA), Rural Business Hubs, Local Self Government both in [[Municipal governance in India|urban local bodies]] and [[Panchayati raj (India)|panchayat raj]], [[Child labour|Prevention of child labor]], [[HIV/AIDS]], [[Midday Meal Scheme|Mid day Meal]] etc.

Established 'National Academy of Statistical Administration' to bring out the best statistical minds from India at par with international standard.<ref name="National Academy of Statistics">{{cite news|title=National Academy of Statistics|url=http://mospi.nic.in/about-nssta}}</ref>

Birth Anniversary (29 June) of [[Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis|Prof. P C Mahalanobis]] was declared as the [http://www.oneindia.com/2007/06/28/in-honour-of-prof-mahalanobis-pm-to-inaugurate-statistics-day-1183045330.html 'National Statistical Day'] to honour his contributions in the field of Statistics and Economic Planning.<ref name="29 June declared as Natl Statistical Day">{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=28888|title=29 June declared as Natl Statistical Day}}</ref>
With concerted efforts, enhanced the [[Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme|Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme]] ([[Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme|MPLADS]]) fund from INR 2 crore to INR 5 crore and issued a comprehensive guidelines on scheme concept, implementation and monitoring.<ref name="MPLADS fund increased from INR 2 Crore to INR 5 Crore">{{cite news|title=MPLADS fund increased from INR 2 Crore to INR 5 Crore|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/mps-spend-rs-10883-crore-under-mplad-scheme-under-12th-plan/articleshow/48360111.cms}}</ref>

Software was set up to monitor and enable online access to [[Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme|MPLADS]] works, which ensured improved transparency and e-governance.

Newly initiated the 'Physical Monitoring System' of MPLADS works through [[National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development|NABARD]] consultancy services; this enabled an improved performance in the work execution whereby an efficiency enhancement was achieved from 80.14% in March 2004 to 90.01% in the succeeding year.

Due to efficient monitoring, project control and implementation; the ministry ensured an efficient rate of project completion in India: The administration successfully achieved the performance index by reducing the project cost over run from 62% in March 1991 to an impressive rate of 15.5% in Sept, 2006.

The operationalization of the '[[National Statistical Commission]]' was an important initiative to bring about quality and transparency in official statistics. It serves as a key recommendation provider on latest statistical standards and policy initiatives in India.

'''<big>Political Office</big>'''
* President, [[Tamil Maanila Congress|Tamil Maanila Congress (M)]] : From Aug 2001 – Aug 2002 and '''[[Incumbent]] from May 2014.'''
* Secretary, [[All India Congress Committee|All India Congress Committee (AICC)]] : From Aug 2002 – Nov 2003.
* President, [[Tamil Nadu Congress Committee]] : From Nov 2003 – Feb 2006.
* MoS (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation : From Jan 2006 - May 2009.
* Union Minister of Shipping : From May 2009 - May 2014.
* In-charge Minister for Labour : From Jan 2014 - May 2014.

'''<big>Cultural / Recreation / Club</big>'''

G K Vasan is passionate about [[Carnatic music|Carnatic Music]] and enjoys playing [[Cricket]] and [[Table tennis|Table Tennis]]. He does hold positions as:
* Chairman of Board of Trustees : [[Tyagaraja Aradhana|Thiruvayiru Thyagabrahma Sabha.]]
* Life Member : [[Tamil Nadu Cricket Association]].
* Life Member : [[Cosmopolitan Club (Chennai)|Cosmopolitan Club, Chennai]].
* Life Member : [[Constitution Club of India|Constitution Club, New Delhi.]]

===Other Interest===
G. K Vasan is an avid admirer of [[Carnatic music]], happened to develop out of natural bonding between [[Kaveri|Cauvery]] and [[Carnatic music]]. He is currently the Chairman of board of Trustees for [http://thiruvaiyaruthyagarajaaradhana.org/index-2.html 'Thiruvayiru Thyagabrahma Mahotasa Sabha'] which sponsors an 'Annual [[Tyagaraja Aradhana|Aradhana Festival of Thyagaraja']], a tribute to saint composer [[Tyagaraja|Sri Thyagaraja Swamy.]]

He shows greatest interest in the activities of Sabha like his father [[G. K. Moopanar]] whose period as a president of 'Thiruvayiru Thyagabrahma Mahotasa Sabha' achieved the greatest milestone in making the programme, as an all India and International festival<ref name="Annual Aradhana Festival">{{cite news|title=Annual Aradhana Festival|url=http://thiruvaiyaruthyagarajaaradhana.org/commettee.html}}</ref> including then [[List of Presidents of India|President of India]] presiding over the function.

''
Music is a holy concert to God and a great instrument of National integration. Playing [[Nadaswaram|Nagaswaram]] and [[Thavil]] are 'Mangala Isai' means auspicious Music for all occasions.<ref name="Music, a Mangala Isai - G. K Vasan">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/thirukkural-national-book-soon/article5580649.ece|title=Music, a Mangala Isai - G. K Vasan}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}{{Second Manmohan Singh Cabinet}}{{Commons category}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vasan, G. K, Ayya, President,}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of India]]
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Union Ministers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:People from Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tamil Maanila Congress politicians]]

G. K. Vasan - Revision history

CleanupBot at 10:48, 29 January 2022