New Delhi, Aug 2026 : NITI Aayog on Monday welcomed senior IAS officer Anurag Jain as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking his assumption of a key role at the government’s premier policy think tank.
A 1989-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Jain brings nearly four decades of experience in public administration, governance and policymaking. During his long career, he has held several senior positions in both the Madhya Pradesh government and the Centre.
“NITI Aayog welcomes Anurag Jain as the new Chief Executive Officer,” the policy body said in a post on social media platform X.
Jain has previously served as Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh. At the Centre, he served as Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and also as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
His experience in infrastructure development, industrial policy, administration and economic affairs is expected to strengthen NITI Aayog’s role in policy formulation and implementation. As CEO, Jain will be responsible for supporting the government’s development priorities and facilitating greater coordination between the Centre and state governments.
The government had appointed Jain as NITI Aayog CEO earlier this year following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) stated that his tenure would be for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Jain succeeds his predecessor under the same terms and conditions applicable to the post. His appointment comes at a time when NITI Aayog continues to play a central role in shaping long-term development strategies, strengthening cooperative federalism and supporting policy implementation across sectors.
The appointment also adds to a series of leadership changes at the policy institution. Earlier in April, the Centre appointed economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri as Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, replacing Suman K Bery.
With his extensive administrative experience at both the state and national levels, Jain is expected to bring a strong focus on governance, infrastructure, industrial development and effective implementation to his new assignment at NITI Aayog.
