Ashok Lahiri Highlights Data-Driven Planning at NITI Aayog

Newly appointed NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said he has held his first meeting with Narendra Modi after his appointment became public.

Speaking in New Delhi, Lahiri expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for entrusting him with what he described as an important responsibility.

He said it was Prime Minister Modi who took the bold decision to replace the former Planning Commission with NITI Aayog.

Lahiri noted that NITI Aayog plays a key role in policy formulation, implementation monitoring, and advising both central and state governments.

He highlighted the institution’s guiding principles as the three N’s — Niti, Nishtha, and Niyat — and stressed the growing importance of data-driven planning.

Referring to the Aspirational Districts programme, he said backward districts are now being transformed through continuous socio-economic monitoring and targeted development.

Lahiri added that the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat goes beyond per capita income and includes education, health, infrastructure, and overall well-being.

He also described the appointment as a personal honour and a recognition of West Bengal’s strong academic and economic tradition.