New Delhi: In a significant development signalling a possible shift in India’s economic policy leadership, senior economist and BJP leader Ashok Kumar Lahiri is set to be appointed as the next Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. He is expected to replace incumbent Vice Chairman Suman Bery, who has held the post since May 2022.
Alongside Lahiri’s expected elevation, noted immunologist and academic Gobardhan Das is likely to be inducted as a member of the government’s premier policy think tank. While formal announcements are still awaited, sources indicate that these appointments are part of a long-anticipated restructuring within NITI Aayog.
Appointments Come at Politically Significant Moment
The timing of these developments is politically noteworthy, coinciding with ongoing elections in West Bengal, where the Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking to strengthen its foothold. The second phase of polling is underway, and the appointments are being viewed as a strategic outreach to the electorate in the state.
Both Lahiri and Das have political links to West Bengal. Lahiri currently serves as a BJP MLA from Balurghat but has opted not to contest the 2026 Assembly elections. Gobardhan Das, a former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, had contested the 2021 Assembly elections from Purbasthali Uttar constituency as a BJP candidate.
Notably, Das, who belongs to the Dalit community, had allegedly faced attacks from Trinamool Congress cadres during post-election violence in 2021, adding a social and political dimension to his likely inclusion.
Part of a Long-Awaited Institutional Revamp
The expected appointments are widely seen as part of a broader overhaul of NITI Aayog. Over the past four years, the Modi government has, on several occasions, been perceived as bypassing Vice Chairman Suman Bery and engaging directly with members or the CEO.
The think tank has also been operating without a full-time CEO following the exit of BVR Subrahmanyam last month, further underscoring the need for leadership restructuring. Lahiri’s appointment is expected to bring both administrative clarity and economic depth to the institution.
Who is Ashok Lahiri? A Veteran Economist and Policymaker
Ashok Kumar Lahiri is a distinguished economist, policymaker, and politician with decades of experience in economic governance, financial planning, and global institutions.
Currently a legislator from Balurghat in West Bengal, Lahiri has built a reputation as a skilled economist with a deep understanding of both domestic fiscal policy and international economic systems.
He has held several key positions, including:
- Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India (December 2002 – June 2007)
- Member of the Fifteenth Finance Commission
- Chairman of Bandhan Bank
- Director of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy
- Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank
- Consultant at the World Bank
- Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund
His tenure as CEA spanned two governments—serving under both former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh—reflecting bipartisan confidence in his expertise.
Academic Background and Early Life
Lahiri’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in economics. He studied at Presidency University, Kolkata and later earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics in 1979.
He also received early education at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Narendrapur, known for its emphasis on holistic development. Lahiri later served as a faculty member at the Delhi School of Economics, contributing to academic research and policy discourse.
Role in Economic Policy and Global Institutions
Over the years, Lahiri has played a crucial role in shaping India’s economic policies. His work in the Ministry of Finance and global institutions like the World Bank and IMF gave him exposure to international economic frameworks.
He also led the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy from 1998 to 2002, contributing to fiscal research and policy analysis. His experience in public finance, macroeconomic policy, and development strategy is seen as a major factor behind his likely selection.
Additionally, Lahiri is regarded as a pioneer in psephology and co-authored the book “India Decides”, which mapped election trends from 1952 to 1989.
Financial Profile and Public Life
According to his 2021 election affidavit, Lahiri reported total assets exceeding ₹7.43 crore. Despite his long public career, he maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing largely on his professional contributions to economics and governance.
Gobardhan Das: Scientist Likely to Join Policy Body
Gobardhan Das, who is likely to join NITI Aayog as a member, is a respected immunologist and academic. He has served as Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal and previously taught at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Das brings strong expertise in scientific research and administration, which could enhance policy discussions in areas such as innovation, biotechnology, and research and development.
Although he did not win the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, his academic credentials and governance experience make him a strong candidate for a policy-making role.
What Lies Ahead for NITI Aayog
If confirmed, Ashok Lahiri’s appointment is expected to mark a new phase for NITI Aayog, with greater emphasis on fiscal strategy, economic reforms, and data-driven policymaking. His blend of academic rigor, administrative experience, and political understanding could play a key role in shaping India’s economic direction.
Similarly, Gobardhan Das’s inclusion would signal a push towards integrating scientific expertise into national policy frameworks.
