The Government of India has appointed Dr Ashok Lahiri, a veteran economist and former Chief Economic Advisor, as the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog on April 29, 2026. He succeeds Suman Bery, who served in the role since May 2022, marking a significant leadership transition at the country’s premier policy think tank. Alongside this appointment, Dr Gobardhan Das, the Director of IISER Bhopal, has been inducted as a full-time member to bolster the institution’s expertise in science and public health.
New Leadership at NITI Aayog
The recent appointments are part of a broader reconstitution of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), which serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India. The institution, which replaced the Planning Commission on January 1, 2015, is designed to provide both directional and policy inputs.
Dr Ashok Lahiri’s appointment as the Vice-Chairman is seen as a move to bring deep economic expertise to the forefront of India’s policy-making. He joins at a time when the Aayog is increasingly focusing on long-term strategic goals, including the Vikasit Bharat 2047 vision. The reconstitution also includes the appointment of other full-time members, ensuring a diverse mix of expertise in economics, science, and administration.
About Dr Ashok Lahiri: Veteran Economist and Policy Expert
Dr Ashok Lahiri is a renowned economist with a career spanning over four decades in academia, international finance, and public policy. He served as the 12th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2002 to 2007, serving under both the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh administrations.
In addition to his role as CEA, Dr Lahiri was a prominent member of the 15th Finance Commission, where he contributed significantly to the recommendations on tax devolution and fiscal federalism. His extensive experience includes serving as an Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the non-executive Chairman of Bandhan Bank. An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics, his academic background and international exposure are expected to strengthen the Aayog’s research-driven approach to economic planning.
Dr Gobardhan Das: Strengthening the Science and Health Vertical
The appointment of Dr Gobardhan Das as a full-time member signals the Aayog’s commitment to integrating scientific research with national policy. Dr Das is a distinguished molecular scientist and immunologist who has been serving as the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal.
His research primarily focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, and the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Before his tenure at IISER Bhopal, Dr Das held academic and research positions at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Yale University School of Medicine. His expertise is expected to guide the Aayog’s initiatives in public health, biotechnology, and the development of indigenous scientific solutions for social welfare.
Understanding NITI Aayog’s Role and Structure
NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Indian government, providing both strategic and technical advice. It operates on the principle of cooperative federalism, ensuring that states are active participants in the policy-making process. The institution’s composition is designed to bring together experts from various disciplines to address complex developmental challenges.
| Position | Current Holder (as of April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Vice-Chairman | Dr Ashok Lahiri |
| Full-Time Member | Dr Gobardhan Das |
| Full-Time Member | Prof. K. V. Raju |
| Full-Time Member | Prof. Abhay Karandikar |
| Full-Time Member | Dr M. Srinivas |
| CEO (Additional Charge) | Nidhi Chhibber |
The Governing Council, which includes the Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories with legislatures, serves as the highest decision-making body. The Aayog also includes ex-officio members from the Union Council of Ministers and special invitees who are experts in their respective fields.
Significance of the Reconstitution
The reconstitution of NITI Aayog comes at a critical juncture as India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. By bringing in a mix of veteran economists like Dr Lahiri and eminent scientists like Dr Das, the government aims to create a more holistic policy framework.
This shift reflects an increasing focus on data-driven governance and the need for evidence-based policy interventions in sectors such as health, agriculture, and technology. The inclusion of experts from diverse backgrounds ensures that the Aayog can effectively address both the economic and social dimensions of development while fostering innovation across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Ashok Lahiri has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, succeeding Suman Bery.
- Dr Lahiri previously served as the 12th Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India between 2002 and 2007.
- Dr Gobardhan Das, an eminent scientist and Director of IISER Bhopal, has joined the Aayog as a full-time member.
- NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the erstwhile Planning Commission.
- The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of the institution, which operates on the principle of cooperative federalism.
- The recent reconstitution also includes full-time members Prof. K. V. Raju, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, and Dr M. Srinivas.
