Parameswaran Iyer Iyer to replace Amitabh Kant as Niti Ayog CEO

Mr. Iyer has been appointed the chief executive officer of Niti Aayog, after Amitabh Kant retires on June 30, for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the order stated.

V. Parameswaran Iyer. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Parameswaran Iyer, a senior bureaucrat who helmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet scheme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, will be the new Chief Executive Officer of the Niti Ayog. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet cleared his name for the post here on Friday. Mr. Iyer will get at least two years in the post.

Mr. Iyer replaces Amitabh Kant, who completes his term in the office on June 30. A government order added that he will work on the same terms and conditions as were applicable for Kant.

At present, Mr. Iyer functions as the Programme Manager of 2030 Water Resources Group, a platform hosted by the World Bank for water conservation. Joined the IAS in 1981 in the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Mr. Iyer has also served as the secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. He worked at the United Stations too for a few years as a senior rural water sanitation specialist. He is also a professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad in management practices.

Kant was appointed as the CEO of the Niti Aayog on February 17, 2016, for two years. He got three extensions during his tenure. Under Mr. Kant, the Niti Aayog helped the Centre to launch several programmes such as the Digital India and Make in India.