New face at the economic helm
S Mahendra Dev becomes new Chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council: In a major update on India’s economic front, S Mahendra Dev has been appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). This isn’t just a title—it’s a responsibility that shapes the direction of the nation’s economic policies. Dev is not new to policy circles. With a career deeply rooted in development economics, he is known for his sharp focus on the rural economy, agriculture, and social protection.
On June 5, 2025, he officially took over the role. To dedicate himself fully, he also resigned from the board of Axis Bank where he was an independent director.
A strong academic and policy background
Mahendra Dev holds a PhD in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, one of India’s most prestigious academic institutions. He further sharpened his skills with post-doctoral research at Yale University, USA. Over the years, he has held key academic roles including Director and Vice Chancellor at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research and Chairman of the Institute for Development Studies in Andhra Pradesh.
He also served as the Editor of Economic and Political Weekly, a respected publication in policy and academic circles.
What EAC-PM actually does?
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) is not a constitutional body. It operates under the umbrella of NITI Aayog and plays an important advisory role. It provides independent recommendations on everything from macroeconomic trends to policy reforms. The council helps in guiding strategies for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The EAC-PM is typically made up of seasoned economists and experts who are not part of the government machinery, ensuring objective analysis and advice.
Why Dev’s appointment matters now?
With India aiming for balanced economic development, Dev’s appointment reflects a strong push toward rural and agricultural reforms. His understanding of poverty, inequality, and food security makes him a critical asset as India targets both high growth and broad-based welfare. In short, this is a move that could shape how inclusive our future growth will be.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Details |
| Who was appointed? | S Mahendra Dev |
| New role | Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the PM (EAC-PM) |
| Date of appointment | June 5, 2025 |
| Previous position | Independent Director, Axis Bank |
| Academic background | PhD from Delhi School of Economics; Post-doc at Yale University |
| Specialization | Agriculture, Rural Economy, Development Economics |
| Major roles held | VC at IGIDR, Editor of EPW, Chairman of IDSAP |
| EAC-PM type | Non-constitutional, non-permanent advisory body |
| Operates under | NITI Aayog |
| Recent heads before Dev | Suman Bery (also Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog) |
| Related Static GK fact | Delhi School of Economics is among India’s top economic institutes |
| Focus areas of EAC-PM | Policy advice, macroeconomic analysis, inclusive growth |
| Real-world example | Policies on MSP, food subsidy reforms, and rural employment can be shaped here |
| Impact of appointment | Stronger focus on rural and development-led strategies |
