HYDERABAD: Acclaimed economist and retired IAS officer BPR Vithal died due to age-related problems in the early hours of Friday in Hyderabad. He was 93.

He is survived by his wife Seshu, daughter Nivedita Kumar, sons Sanjaya Baru and Chaitanya Baru. He was a man ‘full of ideas’, a pioneer of reforms in public finance and working with him was a great experience, said several economists, who worked with him closely over many decades.

"I was associated with him for sixty years. Vithal was a witness to Quit India movement and was involved in other agitations also. When he headed the Regional Committee on Telangana, I was also a member of that committee," said Ch Hanumantha Rao, former chairman of Centre for Economic and Social Studies(CESS), which Vithal had founded.

CESS chairman R Radhakrishna said that he had an enriching association with Vithal since he joined the University of Hyderabad as professor of Economics in 1980. "Vithal garu was responsible for positioning CESS as an autonomous national institution providing a platform between academicians and policy makers," the CESS chairman said.

Visiting professor of CESS S Galab said: "Vithal used to treat me like a son. He was a humanist and humorist." Galab said that Vithal used to provide simple solutions to even complex problems and added that he was not only a good economist but also a good administrator as well.

Retired professor N Sreedevi said that Vithal nurtured her like a small plant and trained her how to think. "After my MPhil, I joined CESS as a research assistant. Vithal sir guided me in public finance. He is a legend. He encouraged me and was like a father figure," Sreedevi said.

Recalling the great work done by the Vithal for increasing the States’ share in Central taxes, State government Advisor (Finance) and Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) member GR Reddy said that the Constitution of India was amended based on the recommendations of Vithal as a member of the 10th Finance Commission. Vithal in those days felt why should there be only two taxes while all other taxes should be made shareable.

"The Central government approved his recommendation and started sharing all taxes with the States later. That was his main contribution to the States," Reddy said. CESS director E Revathi said that Vithal used to encourage youngsters to write, especially on public finance.

"When I became director of the CESS, he personally congratulated me. It is a great experience to associate with him. Vithal not only founded the CESS but was also responsible for the growth of the institution," she said.

Minister KTR called on eminent economist and founder of Centre for Economic and Social Studies Sri BPR Vithal today pic.twitter.com/VPFlNF3CYC

— Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Telangana (@MinisterKTR) June 22, 2016

KCR, KTR condole death of Vithal

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed sorrow over the death of well-known economist BPR Vithal. Rao recalled the services rendered by Vithal and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the the bereaved family. MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao said he was saddened to learn about the death of veteran bureaucrat BPR Vithal