Government Appoints Two New Full-Time Members to NITI Aayog

The Government of India has appointed two new full-time members to NITI Aayog, strengthening its policy-making framework. The appointments were approved by Narendra Modi.

New Appointments Announced:

Dr. R. Balasubramaniam – Development expert and policy practitioner

Dr. Joram Aniya – Academician with expertise in education and rural development

Appointment notified via Cabinet Secretariat gazette notification

Context: Recent Reconstitution of NITI Aayog:

The appointments follow a major restructuring of NITI Aayog in 2026

New Vice-Chairperson and multiple members were inducted earlier

With these additions, the number of full-time members has increased (around seven total)

Role and Functions of NITI Aayog:

NITI Aayog serves as India’s premier policy think tank and plays a key role in governance.

Core functions include:

Formulating strategic and long-term policies

Promoting cooperative federalism (Centre–State collaboration)

Acting as a knowledge and innovation hub

Providing directional and technical advice to the government

Supporting sustainable and inclusive development

NITI Aayog:

Established: 2015 (replaced Planning Commission)

Chairperson: Prime Minister of India

Structure includes:

Vice-Chairperson (Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri)

Full-time Members

Part-time Members

Ms. Nidhi Chhibber CEO (Additional Charge)

Focus on bottom-up planning approach