Ashok Kumar Lahiri, an economist and outgoing BJP MLA from West Bengal, has been chosen to become the next vice-chairman of Niti Aayog. He will replace Suman Bery, effectively serving as the chief of the government think tank as the chairpersonship is held by the Prime Minister by default.
Alongside Lahiri, scientist Gobardhan Das is also set to be appointed as a new member of the policy body. These appointments come while the BJP is engaged in a pitched battle with the ruling TMC of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal.
A Legacy of Economic Leadership
Lahiri previously served as the 12th Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India. He was appointed to this role in December 2002 by the PM-led Appointments Committee of the Cabinet during the administration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
His tenure as CEA lasted until June 2007, meaning he served approximately three quarters of his term under the Congress-led UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh.
Academic and Professional Background
An alumnus of the economics department at Presidency University, Kolkata, Lahiri has a diverse professional history. He has held leadership, teaching, or research positions at the Delhi School of Economics, the Asian Development Bank, Bandhan Bank, and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
His international experience includes serving as a senior economist for the International Monetary Fund and as a consultant for the World Bank.
New Member and Outgoing Leadership
Gobardhan Das, a prominent immunologist, joins the body as a member. He is the director of IISER Bhopal and formerly served as a professor and chair of the Special Centre for Molecular Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. Das is also a former BJP member who contested the 2021 West Bengal polls from the Purbasthali Uttar constituency.
Lahiri succeeds Suman Bery, who took over the leadership in May 2022 and holds the rank and status of a cabinet minister. Bery’s background includes roles as a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars and a non-resident fellow at Bruegel.
Looking Ahead
With formal appointments awaited, the transition in leadership may lead to a shift in the think tank’s focus. The induction of an experienced former CEA and a leading scientist could potentially influence how the government aligns its policy direction with evolving economic and scientific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the incoming vice-chairman of Niti Aayog?
Ashok Kumar Lahiri, an economist and outgoing BJP MLA from West Bengal, has been chosen as the next vice-chairman.
What is the professional background of Gobardhan Das?
Gobardhan Das is a scientist and immunologist who served as the director of IISER Bhopal and was a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Who did Ashok Lahiri replace in this role?
He will replace Suman Bery, who has led Niti Aayog since May 2022.
How might the appointment of leaders with deep roots in West Bengal impact the think tank’s approach to regional policy?
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