Padma Bhushan Minhas no more

OBITUARY

Bagicha Singh Minhas, distinguished scientist emeritus, Indian Statistical Institute, formerly member, Planning Commission, member, Sixth Finance Commission, and winner of the Padma Bhushan in 2003, died last week in Illinios, USA.

Hated as widely as he was loved, Minhas was known to be a forthright person who did not suffer fools gladly "" a quality, he shared with VM Dandekar, another stalwart of Indian economics.

"They both had great respect and admiration for each other. Being forthright was a quality they shared. A rare quality," said SD Tendulkar, Professor at Delhi School of Economics, who worked with Minhas. Minhas is credited with having given shape to the National Sample Survey Organisation, during his term as member governing council.