PROFESSOR Abhijit Sen, renowned economist, expert on agriculture, rural economy and planning passed away after a brief illness on August 29. We extend condolences to his family and friends.

Prof. Abhijit Sen had a long academic career spanning over four decades. He had joined Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1985 and taught in Centre for Economic Studies and Planning (CESP) till recently.

He was appointed as the chairperson of the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices during the United Front government and continued in the position from 1997 to 2000.  He was a member of the Planning Commission from 2004-2014. In the Planning Commission, he was the strongest votary for universal public distribution system, increase in public expenditure on agriculture and the importance of making agriculture remunerative. The High Level Committee of Experts on Long Term Grain Policy with Prof. Sen heading it recommended Universal PDS for rice and wheat and for the CACP to be made a statutory body whose recommendations would be binding.

He also contributed as a member of the State Planning Board in West Bengal and Tripura.