Bibek Debroy was a prominent Indian economist and scholar, known for his extensive contributions to economic policy, research, and literature. He served as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India and was a key figure in various governmental initiatives aimed at economic reform and infrastructure development.
On 1 November 2024, Bibek Debroy passed away at the age of 69. He was admitted in AIIMS, Delhi since a month.
Bibek Debroy Age
Bibek Debroy was born on 25 January 1955. He passed away on 1 November 2024. At the time of his death, he was 69 years old.
Bibek Debroy Biography
| Full Name | Bibek Debroy |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1955 |
| Birth Place | Shillong, Meghalaya |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 m) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Education | Under-graduation rom Prestige College, Kolkata Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics M.Sc. from Trinity College, Cambridge University |
| Profession | Economist, Ex-Professor, Researcher, Author, Translator, |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Social Media | Instagram , X, Facebook |
Bibek Debroy Family
Bibek Debroy was born on January 25, 1955, in Shillong, Meghalaya, into a Bengali Hindu family. His grandparents migrated from present-day Bangladesh. His love for economics came from his father who served in the Indian Audit and Accounts Service.
Bibek Debroy’s wife name is Suparna. The couple have two sons, who have been living abroad after completing their education. Debroy referred to Suparna as a “modern-day Savitri,” highlighting her crucial role in his life, especially during his recent health struggles. In a reflective piece he wrote shortly before his death, Debroy mentioned that his sons had become more American than Indian during their time abroad and expressed a sense of distance from them due to their geographical separation.
Bibek Debroy Early Life & Career
He completed his schooling from the Ramakrishna Mission School in Narendrapur, West Bengal, followed by higher studies at Presidency College in Kolkata. He pursued his Masters in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge. His degrees laid the foundation for his extensive career in economics and policy reform.
Debroy’s career spanned over four decades, during which he held numerous prestigious positions. He served as a Reader (Associate Professor) in Economics at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and was a member of several significant committees, including NITI Aayog. His notable roles included:
- Consultant to the Department of Economic Affairs of Finance Ministry
- Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM)
- Director of Project LARGE (Legal Adjustments and Reforms for Globalising the Economy)
- Member of the National Manufacturing Competitive Council
- Member of the Chief Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (Rajasthan)
- Chairman of the High Powered Committee (set up by the Ministry of Railways)
- Chancellor of Pune’s Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute
- Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics
Throughout his career, Debroy was known for his bold ideas and willingness to challenge established norms. A gifted individual with analytical mind, Bibek was dedicated to his transformative ideas.
In addition to his economics ventures, Debroy was a prolific author and translator. He translated major Indian epics such as the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, making these texts accessible to modern audiences while preserving their original essence. He authored over 50 books covering diverse topics from economics to Indian philosophy
Bibek Debroy Income & Net Worth
Specific figures regarding Bibek Debroy’s income and net worth are not publicly detailed. His involvement in high-level policy-making and advisory roles typically comes with significant financial remuneration. His academic contributions including writing books and articles likely contributed to a respectable net worth.
| See also: Zarin Daruwala Biography |
Bibek Debroy Awards & Recognitions
- Padma Shri
- Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit in 2016 and again from
- Lifetime Achievement Award by the The Australia-India Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
- Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship
Bibek Debroy Controversies
- He advocated for comprehensive reforms in various sectors, including a controversial proposal to tax agricultural income above a certain threshold to broaden India’s tax base.
- Bibek’s 2015 report on railway reforms called for an independent regulator for the railway sector, which sparked significant debate within policy circles.
- Debroy stirred significant debate with an article advocating for a new Constitution for India. His proposal suggested that the country should reconsider its foundational legal framework to better align with contemporary democratic values. However, the PMEAC distanced itself from his views, clarifying that his opinions were personal and did not represent the council or the government
Conclusion
Debroy’s scholarly contributions extended beyond economics into literature and history, earning him recognition as a polymath. His death is an indescribable loss for Indian Economic Policy making.
FAQs
Bibek was married to Suparna Banerjee.
Debroy completed his undergraduate studies at Presidency College and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics.
Bibek Debroy cause of death is subacute intestinal obstruction.
Yes, he is a Bengali Hindu.
Bibek Debroy comes from a Bengali Hindu family.
Bibek Debroy translated Mahabharata, in unabridged form in English.