The Centre has undertaken a major overhaul of NITI Aayog, appointing economist and BJP leader Ashok Lahiri as vice-chairman and reshaping the institution’s top leadership in a sweeping reconstitution.
The Cabinet Secretariat order replaces all full-time members of the government’s apex policy think tank, barring Rajiv Gauba, signalling a significant reset in policy direction and leadership priorities.
Leadership overhaul
Lahiri, a former chief economic adviser and member of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, takes charge at a crucial time when the institution is shaping India’s long-term development roadmap.
He replaces economist Suman Bery, becoming the first active political figure to assume the role since the transition from the Planning Commission.
New full-time members
The reconstituted body includes a mix of technocrats and domain experts as full-time members:
- Abhay Karandikar (Science and Technology Secretary)
- K V Raju (economist and policy expert)
- Gobardhan Das (scientist)
- M Srinivas (health sector expert)
- Rajiv Gauba (continuing member)
These appointments replace outgoing members including Ramesh Chand, Arvind Virmani, V K Saraswat and V K Paul.
The restructuring comes as NITI Aayog works on key national priorities, including the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and upcoming governing council deliberations involving chief ministers.
As India’s apex policy think tank, NITI Aayog plays a central role in driving economic strategy, fostering cooperative federalism and advising both the Centre and states.
Formed in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, the body functions as a platform for policy innovation and coordination between the Union and states, with the Prime Minister as chairperson and a governing council comprising all chief ministers.
Also read: NITI Aayog vital pillar of India's policy-making architecture: PM
Follow us
