Arvind Virmani, a senior economist, has been appointed as a full-time member of the NITI Aayog with immediate effect by the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved his appointment as a full-time member of NITI Aayog. The Cabinet Secretariat issued a notification to that effect on Tuesday.

Also Read| Accused Aftab burned Shraddha Walkar’s face to conceal identity: Police

Who is Arvind Virmani?

Arvind Virmani is an Indian economist who was appointed to the International Monetary Fund as India’s representative in 2009. Prior to that, he served as the Government of India‘s Chief Economic Advisor.

Virmani went to The Doon School. He graduated from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi with a degree in Physics and went on to study engineering at California Institute of Technology before receiving a doctorate in economics from Harvard University.

Also Read| SoftBank to sell Paytm stake worth $200 million as lock-in period ends

He has served as an advisor to the Indian government at the highest levels, including as the Planning Commission’s principal advisor and the Ministry of Finance’s chief economic adviser. Virmani authored the Economic Survey of India while serving as the Government of India’s Chief Economic Advisor (2008-2009). He was appointed in 2009 to the position of India’s representative in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has a three-year term of office and is frequently seen as a reward for bureaucrats who are nearing retirement.

Also Read| Joe Biden questions Volodymyr Zelensky’s Poland missile claim

He wrote several articles on macroeconomics, growth and finance, international trade and tariffs, and international relations. His books include The Sudoku of India’s Growth, From Uni-polar To Tri-polar World: Multi-polar Transition Paradox, and Propelling India From Socialist Stagnation To Global Power.

During his time at the IMF, he served as India’s ambassador to the IMF, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Virmani has also served as the Planning Commission’s principal adviser.