New Delhi, April 25
The Centre government has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, appointing economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri as its new vice chairman, along with five full-time members drawn from academia, science and administration. The new members include economist K V Raju, AIIMS Director M Srinivas, and science and technology expert Abhay Karandikar. Scientist Gobardhan Das and former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba have also been appointed as full-time members.
Announcing the appointments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wished the new team a productive and impactful tenure. In a post on X, he said the NITI Aayog had become a key institution in shaping India’s policy direction, promoting cooperative federalism, reforms and improving the “ease of living”.
He described the body as a platform for innovation and long-term strategic planning across sectors.
The prime minister also confirmed that Lahiri met him following his appointment. Lahiri, a BJP legislator from West Bengal, is a former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India and previously served on the 15th Finance Commission. He is not contesting the ongoing state elections in West Bengal.
The NITI Aayog, chaired by the prime minister, plays a central role in advising governments on economic policy and development strategy.
