A collection of Pant's speeches after 1999, the book - India's Development Scenario - Next Decade And Beyond, was released by C. Rangarajan, the Chairman of the 12th Finance Commission. He called Pant a philosopher statesman. Recounting his involvement in the preparation of the 10th plan, Pant said his task at had been made easier due to his vast experience for several years as an MP, minister and chairman of the Finance Commission.