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PM’s Economic Advisory Council Chairman Bibek Debroy Passes Away at 69
Renowned economist and Chairman of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, Bibek Debroy, passed away at the age of 69.
Known for his significant contributions to India’s economic and intellectual landscape, Debroy was also a Padma Shri awardee. He died at AIIMS Delhi early today due to an intestinal obstruction, according to a statement from the hospital.
A Towering Scholar Remembered
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Debroy as “a towering scholar.” PM Modi highlighted Debroy’s extensive expertise across various domains, including “economics, history, culture, politics, and spirituality.” Debroy was noted for his work on ancient Indian texts, which he sought to make accessible to the younger generation.
Extensive Career in Academia and Public Policy
Bibek Debroy’s academic journey included education at institutions like Ramakrishna Mission School, Presidency College in Kolkata, Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge. Throughout his career, he held prestigious roles, including Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune, as well as positions at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi, and a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project on legal reforms.
As a former member of NITI Aayog, Debroy played a pivotal role in shaping India’s policy landscape until June 2019. His prolific career also included contributions to newspapers and journals, and he authored numerous books, papers, and columns that enriched India’s discourse on economic and policy issues.
Condolences and Legacy
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his sorrow over Debroy’s passing, praising his legacy in economics and academia. He wrote that Debroy “will be admired for his policy guidance on economic issues and contributions to India’s development.”
Bibek Debroy leaves behind a substantial legacy through his work in economics, academia, and literature, with a lasting influence on public policy and intellectual thought in India.
