NITI Aayog revamp tilts towards science and health sectors

The recent revamp of NITI Aayog's full-time members indicates a strategic shift towards technology and health sectors, departing from its traditional economist-heavy composition. Three of the five new members possess extensive careers in health, biotechnology, and science. While the newly appointed Vice-Chairman, Ashok Lahiri, is an economist, the overall composition reflects a clear emphasis on leveraging expertise in science and health for policy formulation. This move signals a broader focus on these critical areas for national development.

Key Points

  • The NITI Aayog's recent revamp shows a clear tilt towards technology and health sectors in its full-time member composition.
  • Three out of the five new full-time members have backgrounds in health, biotechnology, and science, a departure from the traditional economist-centric approach.
  • The new Vice-Chairman, Ashok Lahiri, is an economist, but the overall selection reflects a strategic shift in focus.
  • This change indicates a deliberate effort to integrate scientific and health expertise into policy-making.
  • The revamp suggests a broader national development agenda prioritizing science, technology, and health.

Exam Facts

  • Three of the five new full-time members have backgrounds in health, biotechnology, and science.
  • New members include Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, DST), M. Srinivas (former Director, AIIMS Delhi), and Gobardhan Das (Director, IISER Bhopal).
  • K.V. Raju, an economist, specializes in agricultural policy, rural development, and water policy.
  • Ashok Lahiri, an economist and former Chief Economic Adviser (2002-2007), is the newly appointed Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.

Read it. Retain it. Recall it.

Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.

Get it on Google Play

All current affairs of 28 April 2026