Ashok Lahiri takes charge as Niti VC

Economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri took charge as vice chairman of the Niti Aayog on Friday, replacing Suman Bery. Lahiri is a former chief economic adviser to the Government of India and a member of the 15th Finance Commission.

"His experience across academia, public institutions and international organisations will further strengthen Niti Aayog's efforts towards evidence-based policymaking and economic transformation," the government think tank posted on X.

The PM is the chairman of the Aayog.


The government last month reconstituted the Aayog, replacing the old team with Lahiri as its vice chairman and seven new members.

The new full-time members are Rajiv Gauba, KV Raju, Gobardhan Das, M Srinivas, Abhay Karandikar, R Balasubramaniam and Joram Aniya.

Gauba was appointed earlier in March 2025. The new members replace economist Ramesh Chand, who handled agriculture policy matters; economist Arvind Virmani (trade matters); VK Saraswat (science and technology); and VK Paul (health policy)