Parameswaran Iyer: What you need to know about next Niti Aayog CEO

Former Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Parameswaran Iyer, who spearheaded the Swachh Bharat Mission, was on Friday appointed as the CEO of Niti Aayog, according to a government order. He will replace Amitabh Kant, who will demit office on June 30.

Iyer has been appointed for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the personnel ministry order stated.

Who is Parmeswaran Iyer?
1. Parameswaran Iyer, led Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship Swachch Bharat Mission, has been credited with building thousands of toilets.


2. Iyer had held various prominent posts and led the World Bank-assisted Uttar Pradesh Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Project, popular as Swajal.

3. Parameswaran Iyer also served two stints at the World Bank as water and sanitation expert. In 2016, he was appointed as Secretary to Government of India for Drinking Water and Sanitation, and led the Open Defecation Free India movement.

4. Born in 1959, Parameswaran Iyer had joined the Civil Services in 1981 in Uttar Pradesh cadre.

5. Son of an Air Force officer, Parameswaran Iyer was born in Srinagar and studied at St Stephen’s College.