Economist and chairman of PM’s economic advisory council Bibek Debroy passes away at 69

NEW DELHI: Bibek Debroy, distinguished economist and chairman of the Prime Minister’s economic advisory council, passed away on Friday at the age of 69 due to intestinal obstruction.

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post, "Dr Bibek Debroy Ji was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth."

"I have known Dr Debroy for many years. I will fondly remember his insights and passion for academic discourse. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti." PM added.


Known for his far-reaching contributions to economic theory and policy, Dr Debroy was a respected figure in the fields of game theory, law reforms, and Indology, as well as an advocate for poverty reduction and social equity.

Debroy was also the chairperson of finance ministry's ‘expert committee for infrastructure classification and financing framework for Amrit Kaal’, guiding strategic policy frameworks for India's long-term growth.

Throughout his career, he received several accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2015. The following year, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the US-India Business Summit.

Debroy’s career spanned multiple roles, including his tenure at the Presidency College in Kolkata, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune and as a key member of the Niti Aayog until 2019.

An avid writer, he authored numerous books, research papers, and opinion articles, serving as a Consulting and Contributing Editor for several prominent newspapers, where he shared insights on economic reforms, railway policy, and social disparities.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.