Arif M. Akhtar

About Arif M. Akhtar

Arif M. Akhtar, serving as the Senior Consultant - Rural Livelihoods at Niti Aayog, a policy think tank of the Indian government, plays a pivotal role in shaping policies for rural development. His responsibilities include evaluating progress, analyzing EFC/SFC memorandums, and providing feedback on Cabinet Notes from MoRD. Actively involved in resolving inter-sectoral issues and expediting the implementation of Ministry schemes, he monitors programs such as MNREGA, PMAY-G, DAY-NRLM, and the National Social Assistance Programme. Additionally, his contributions involve assessing terms and final reports, collaborating with MoRD on reviewing and updating DMEO’s Output Outcome Monitoring Framework. With a strong commitment to women empowerment and poverty elimination, Arif has spearheaded numerous programs promoting livelihoods and agri-entrepreneurship for the economic growth of rural and urban communities. With diverse experience in rural community development and government program management, he has actively participated in projects with organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, IFAD, ICCO, SIDBI, and MoRD Govt. Holding an MBA from Lalit Narayan Mishra Institute, Patna, with over 25 years of experience, his expertise spans Women empowerment, Community development, Poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship development, agri-business incubation, value chain and market system development, operations management in agriculture and allied sectors, non-timber forest produce, rural/eco-tourism, new market development/expansion, and product/brand promotions. Arif has organized numerous demonstrations on value chain-based sustainable livelihood models for rural communities, covering sub-sectors such as pulses, scented rice, tasar silk, lac, tamarind, potato, medicinal and aromatic oil-based value chains. His core competency lies in designing end-to-end livelihood models, fostering successful farmers\' producer organizations, and robust institutions. He brings rich experience to designing national training/workshops on community institution development, agri-entrepreneurship promotion, and value chain/market system development.

Experience

1. Senior Consultant (Rural Livelihood)

   Niti Aayog

   Sep 2023 — Present · New Delhi, IN

Education

• Zila School Ranchi

  Matriculation

  1984 — 1987

• Indira Gandhi National Open University, Ranchi

  Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD)

  2002 — 2002

• L. N. Mishra Institute, Patna

  Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

  1996 — 1998