Assam CM meets new NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, seeks stronger reform partnership
Guwahati, June 2
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday congratulated Dr Ashok Lahiri on his recent appointment as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and expressed the state's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the national policy think tank.
Sharing details of his meeting with Dr Lahiri in the national capital, Sarma said the newly appointed Vice Chairman brings with him extensive experience in public policy and finance,' highlighting the expertise he is expected to bring to NITI Aayog's policymaking and reform agenda.
The Chief Minister noted that the Assam Government is keen to deepen its engagement with NITI Aayog in implementing reforms and developmental policies.
"The Assam Govt aims to deepen its partnership with NITI Aayog in implementing reforms and policies that will improve the Ease of Living of our people," Sarma said in a post on X after the meeting.
The interaction comes as Assam continues to pursue governance reforms, infrastructure development and welfare initiatives with support from central institutions.
Officials believe closer collaboration with NITI Aayog will help accelerate policy implementation and enhance outcomes across key sectors.
Dr Lahiri, a distinguished economist and public policy expert, has held several important positions in government and academia.
His appointment as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog is expected to bolster the institution's role in shaping India's development priorities and supporting states in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Amongst India's most experienced economists with a career spanning over four decades, Dr Lahiri has served multiple important roles across the policy spectrum, from Chief Economic Adviser to Finance Commission Member, Asian Development Bank, World Bank and the IMF.
An alumnus of Delhi School of Economics and Presidency University, Dr Lahiri has been "a proud Kolkatan, and leading Bengali Bhodrolok luminary" championing the cause of Bengal's development and progress.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Dr Lahiri has an impressive resume with the World Bank, IMF, and as Chief Economic Adviser. But I hope he doesn't just bring a top-down approach. Assam has unique challenges - flood management, tea garden reforms, and tribal welfare need state-specific solutions, not just standard formulas from Delhi.
Finally some continuity in policy think tanks. Sarma is doing good work in Assam - from anti-corruption drives to improving healthcare access. A strong NITI Aayog partnership could give these efforts the technical backing they need. Let's also hope this helps the North East get its fair share of central resources. 🤞
I appreciate that Sarma is proactive, but let's not forget - NITI Aayog under past leadership hasn't always delivered on its promises to states like Assam. I hope Dr Lahiri's experience translates into tangible support for flood relief, rural employment, and skill development, not just more paperwork and meetings.
"Ease of Living" is a great phrase, but we need to see real action - better roads in rural areas, reliable electricity, quality schools. Assam has huge potential with its natural resources and strategic location. With the right policy push from NITI Aayog, we can actually become a growth engine for the North East.
Interesting to see a Bengali "Bhodrolok" leading NITI Aayog while Assam's CM is aggressively pursuing Assamese identity politics. Might be some interesting dynamics here. But policy-wise, Lahiri's economic credentials are solid and should benefit the region if states are given enough autonomy.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.