Economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri formally assumed the office of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog on Friday. This appointment comes at a time when India is advancing rapidly with economic reforms, structural changes, and the long-term goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Consequently, the role of an institution like NITI Aayog is considered more crucial than ever.
Lahiri has succeeded Suman Bery in this role. He is counted among India’s most experienced and respected economists. His expertise spans several decades across the fields of economic policy, public finance, and institutional reforms, making him a key figure in the country’s policy-making landscape.
Throughout his long career, Lahiri served as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India and held significant responsibilities as a member of the 15th Finance Commission. Additionally, he has gained extensive experience by holding various leadership roles in academic institutions, government bodies, and international organizations.
In a statement welcoming him, NITI Aayog noted that Lahiri’s expertise would further strengthen the institution’s capacity for evidence-based policy formulation. The Commission believes that his economic acumen and strategic vision will help steer the country’s development agenda in a new direction.
This appointment takes place amidst an ongoing, comprehensive restructuring of NITI Aayog. In recent years, the central government has been working to make the institution more effective. The appointment of new full-time members and organizational changes aim to sharpen the focus on areas such as innovation, cooperative federalism, improved governance, and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously described NITI Aayog as a key pillar of India’s policy-making framework. He believes that Lahiri’s experience in economics and public policy will infuse new momentum and energy into the country’s reform journey.
Experts view Ashok Lahiri’s appointment not merely as an administrative change, but as part of an effort to make India’s economic trajectory more data-driven, visionary, and result-oriented. At a time when the global economy is grappling with numerous challenges and uncertainties, their role could prove pivotal in keeping India on the path of rapid and balanced growth.
In the coming years, NITI Aayog is expected to foster better coordination between the Centre and the states, accelerate policies that boost investment and job creation, and strengthen long-term strategies to achieve the goal of a developed India. New approaches and initiatives in this direction are anticipated under the leadership of Ashok Lahiri.