NCAER appoints Suresh Goyal as 11th director general

The appointment of Suresh Goyal as the 11th Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), effective January 5, 2026, marks a significant leadership transition in one of India's most venerable economic think tanks. This development is crucial for competitive exam aspirants as it highlights the continuous evolution of institutions vital to India's policy landscape and economic discourse.

**Background Context: The Genesis and Role of NCAER**

NCAER, established in 1956, holds the distinction of being India's oldest independent economic policy research institution. Founded shortly after India embarked on its journey of planned economic development, NCAER was envisioned as a body that could provide objective, data-driven research and analysis to inform policymakers. Unlike government-affiliated bodies, its independent status has allowed it to offer critical perspectives on India's economic challenges and opportunities. Over decades, NCAER has contributed extensively to national accounts, macroeconomic forecasting, sectoral studies, household surveys, and evaluations of government programs. Its work has been instrumental in shaping debates on fiscal policy, trade, investment, poverty, and human development, providing a crucial evidence base for policy decisions.

**What Happened: A Strategic Leadership Change**

Suresh Goyal is set to succeed Poonam Gupta, who has steered NCAER through a period of significant research output. Goyal brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades across both private and public sectors. His most recent role as MD and CEO of the National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT) is particularly noteworthy. This background suggests a strong understanding of infrastructure development, project financing, and public-private partnerships – areas critical for India's ongoing economic growth story. The transition, effective in early 2026, allows for a structured handover and continuity in NCAER's operations.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

Primarily, the **National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)** itself is the central stakeholder. As an autonomous, non-profit organization, its board of governors plays a critical role in selecting its leadership. **Suresh Goyal** is the new leader, bringing his unique skill set and vision. The outgoing DG, **Poonam Gupta**, ensures continuity until the transition. Indirectly, the **Government of India** is a key stakeholder, as it is a primary consumer of NCAER's research, using its insights to formulate economic policies. Similarly, the **private sector**, **international organizations**, and **academic communities** also benefit from and contribute to NCAER's research, forming a broader ecosystem of economic thought.

**Why This Matters for India: Shaping Economic Policy and Growth**

NCAER's leadership is significant because the institution plays a vital role in providing independent, evidence-based research that influences India's economic policy. In a complex and rapidly evolving economy, data and unbiased analysis are paramount. NCAER's research contributes to:

1. **Informed Policy Making**: By conducting rigorous studies on various economic aspects, NCAER helps policymakers understand the ground realities and potential impacts of their decisions. This is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

2. **Macroeconomic Stability**: Its macroeconomic forecasts and analyses provide early warnings and insights into economic trends, aiding the government and Reserve Bank of India in managing inflation, growth, and fiscal deficits.

3. **Sectoral Development**: Research into specific sectors like agriculture, industry, and services helps identify bottlenecks and opportunities, guiding targeted interventions.

4. **Social Welfare**: Studies on poverty, inequality, education, and health provide data essential for designing effective social sector programs, aligning with the Directive Principles of State Policy outlined in the Constitution.

**Historical Context and Broader Themes**

India's economic journey, from a planned economy to a liberalized market, has consistently required robust analytical support. Institutions like NCAER have adapted, evolving their research methodologies and focus areas to remain relevant. Post-1991 economic reforms, the need for independent assessments of market dynamics and globalization's impact intensified. NCAER's work aligns with broader themes of **good governance**, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, and **economic development**, by providing the intellectual infrastructure for growth strategies. Goyal's background in infrastructure also connects to the broader theme of **public-private partnerships (PPPs)**, a crucial mechanism for financing large-scale projects in India.

**Constitutional Linkages**

While NCAER is not a constitutional body, its work directly supports the constitutional objectives of the Indian state, particularly those enshrined in **Part IV, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)**. Articles such as **Article 38** (State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people) and **Article 39** (certain principles of policy to be followed by the State, e.g., securing adequate means of livelihood, equitable distribution of material resources, prevention of concentration of wealth) provide the foundational goals for India's economic policies. NCAER's research on poverty, inequality, employment, and regional disparities provides the empirical basis for the government to frame policies that aim to fulfill these DPSP objectives. Furthermore, its economic analysis contributes to the broader constitutional mandate of ensuring economic justice and promoting the well-being of all citizens.

**Future Implications**

Under Suresh Goyal's leadership, NCAER could potentially see a renewed emphasis on infrastructure economics, financing models, and the role of private capital in national development, given his extensive experience with NHIT. This could lead to more focused research on areas like sustainable infrastructure, urban development, and the economic impact of connectivity. NCAER will continue to play a critical role in providing independent assessments of government policies, offering constructive criticism, and proposing alternative strategies. Its ability to maintain its independence and relevance in a dynamic policy environment will be key to its continued impact on India's economic trajectory, contributing to its goal of becoming a major global economic power.