New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS): Former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief V.K. Saraswat Friday took over as member of newly-created NITI Aayog here.

A PhD in combustion engineering, Saraswat played a very significant role in the development of the country's first liquid propulsion engine, DEVIL, an official statement said.

Earlier Bibek Debroy, an eminent economist, joined the NITI Aayog as member Jan 21.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, to be headed by the prime minister, has been established by the government to function as both a think-tank and a policy forum replacing the Planning Commission.

Noted economist Arvind Panagariya Jan 13 took charge as its first vice chairman. Sindhushree Khullar is the chief executive officer.

Besides Debroy, the other full-time member is scientist Saraswat.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh will be ex-officio members, while Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot and Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani are to be special invitees.