Ashok Kumar Lahiri takes charge as NITI Aayog Vice Chairman
Synopsis
NITI Aayog gets a new Vice Chairman in Ashok Kumar Lahiri — a rare economist-politician who has advised the Indian government as Chief Economic Adviser, sat on the 15th Finance Commission, and won a West Bengal Assembly seat for BJP. His appointment signals a deliberate blend of technocratic depth and political alignment at the heart of India's policy planning.
Key Takeaways
Ashok Kumar Lahiri took charge as NITI Aayog Vice Chairman on 8 May 2025 , following approval from PM Narendra Modi .
He succeeds Suman Bery , who held the post since May 2022 .
Lahiri previously served as Chief Economic Adviser and member of the 15th Finance Commission .
He is a BJP MLA from Balurghat , West Bengal , combining electoral politics with economic expertise.
He has been associated with the World Bank , IMF , Asian Development Bank , and Delhi School of Economics .
PM Modi expressed confidence that Lahiri's tenure will contribute to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' .
Ashok Kumar Lahiri formally took charge as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog on 8 May 2025, the government think tank confirmed on Friday. The appointment, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant reconstitution of India's apex policy advisory body.
Who Is Ashok Kumar Lahiri
Lahiri brings a distinguished career spanning academia, policymaking, and international finance. He previously served as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India and as a member of the 15th Finance Commission. He has also been associated with institutions including the Delhi School of Economics, Asian Development Bank, Bandhan Bank, the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Lahiri also represents Balurghat in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, making him a rare figure who straddles both active electoral politics and high-level economic policymaking.
Succeeding Suman Bery
Lahiri succeeds Suman Bery, who served as NITI Aayog's Vice Chairman since May 2022. According to NITI Aayog, Lahiri's experience across academia, public institutions, and international organisations is expected to further strengthen its push towards evidence-based policymaking and economic transformation.
PM Modi's Remarks on the Reconstitution
Earlier in April, Prime Minister Modi described NITI Aayog as a vital pillar of India's policy-making architecture, crediting it with strengthening cooperative federalism and improving 'Ease of Living'. He congratulated Lahiri and the newly appointed full-time members on their appointments.
Point of View
Finance Commission member, World Bank and IMF association. But the dual role raises a structural question about the independence of an advisory body that is most credible when it can push back on political priorities. Whether Lahiri navigates that tension — or subordinates it — will define the quality of advice NITI Aayog offers at a critical juncture for India's growth story.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog?
Ashok Kumar Lahiri is the new Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, having formally taken charge on 8 May 2025. He is a noted economist, former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, and a BJP MLA from Balurghat in West Bengal.
Who did Ashok Kumar Lahiri replace at NITI Aayog?
Lahiri succeeds Suman Bery, who served as NITI Aayog Vice Chairman from May 2022. Bery's tenure coincided with India's post-pandemic economic recovery and the rollout of several flagship policy frameworks.
What is Ashok Kumar Lahiri's professional background?
Lahiri has had a distinguished career spanning academia, public finance, and international institutions. He served as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, was a member of the 15th Finance Commission, and has been associated with the World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank, Delhi School of Economics, Bandhan Bank, and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
Why is Lahiri's appointment significant?
Lahiri's appointment is notable because he is a sitting BJP MLA from West Bengal, making him one of the few individuals to simultaneously hold an elected legislative position and head a major national policy institution. His appointment also signals a broader reconstitution of NITI Aayog under PM Modi's third term.
What did PM Modi say about the reconstituted NITI Aayog?
PM Modi said NITI Aayog has emerged as a vital pillar in India's policy-making architecture, strengthening cooperative federalism and improving Ease of Living. He expressed confidence that Lahiri's experience in economics and public policy would strengthen India's reform journey and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
