Bibek Debroy, renowned economist and PM’s economic advisory council chairman, passes away at 69

Bibek Debroy, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council and a distinguished economist, passed away on Friday at AIIMS, Delhi. He was 69.

"Bibek Debroy passed away today 7 AM due to intestinal obstruction," AIIMS Delhi said.

Educated at prestigious institutions including Presidency College, Kolkata, the Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge, Debroy's career spanned academia, public policy, and literature. A Padma Shri awardee, he was known for his extensive contributions to economic policy and his dedication to translating ancient Indian texts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Debroy, hailing his impact on India’s intellectual and cultural fabric.

“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,” Modi wrote on X.

“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.”

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan remembered Debroy as a “distinguished economist, a prolific author as well as an excellent academician.”

Pradhan highlighted Debroy’s lasting legacy in public policy and academia, noting his influential newspaper columns and policy insights. “He will be admired for his policy guidance on economic issues and noteworthy contributions to India’s development,” Pradhan posted on X. “My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May Almighty grant Sadgati to the departed. Om Shanti.”

Bibek Debroy had worked in Presidency College, Kolkata; Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune; Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi; and also as the Director of a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project on legal reforms.

He was also a Member of NITI Aayog up to June 5, 2019. He has authored/edited several books, papers and popular articles and has also been a Consulting/Contributing Editor with several newspapers.