Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar holds B.S., from the University of Pune, M.S., from the University of Minnesota, USA, and Ph. D from University of California at Berkeley, USA. He is associated with several Institutions in India and currently serves as the Chairman, India Development Foundation, New Delhi, Vice President, Pune International Centre, Pune, and Chairman, Janwani, Pune.
He was the Chairman of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), New Delhi. He was the Chairman of the Committee constituted on Revisiting & Revitalisation of the PPP Model of Infrastructure Development, the Chairman, Forum of Federations, Ottawa from January 2010 to March 2013 and the Chairman of the Finance Commission in the rank of a Union Cabinet Minister until January 2010. Earlier, he has held various senior level positions in GOI as well as in international organisations including as Executive Director for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan at the IMF from August, 1999 to August, 2002; Finance Secretary, GOI, 1998–1999; Chairman, Tariff Commission, GOI, 1997– 1998; Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, GOI, 1994–1997; Director & Coordinator, International Trade Division, UNCTAD, Geneva, Switzerland, 1991–1994; Chairman, Bureau of Industrial Costs & Prices and Secretary to the GOI, 1987–1991; Secretary, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, GOI, 1985–1988.
In January 2011, the President of India awarded Dr. Kelkar the “Padma Vibhushan”, India’s second highest Civilian Award for distinguished and exceptional services to the nation. Dr. Kelkar has taught at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, Centre for Economic Development and Administration, Kathmandu, Nepal, South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University, Germany, and University of California, Berkeley, USA.