Montek may continue as Planning Commission Deputy Chairman

2 Jun 2009, PTI

NEW DELHI: Montek Singh Ahluwalia is likely to remain Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, which will be constituted shortly.

"I am told the new Commission will be constituted very soon," a high-placed source told media without denying speculations that noted economist Ahluwalia would be there for a second innings in the Commission.

The Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, along with other members, submitted resignations to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on May 18, after the earlier UPA government completed its term.

Ahluwalia, who was reportedly in the reckoning for the Finance Minister's position in the new government, had played a key role in formulating economic policies in the country and also the government's response to the global financial meltdown.

The Oxford-trained economist had also served as Finance Secretary when Manomohan Singh was Finance Minister in the Narasimha Rao government and even later.

Some existing members are likely to be retained in the new Commission, which would be constituted shortly by the government.