NITI Aayog's search for home-grown economists has compelled it to turn to officers from the Indian Economic Service (IES). The government think-tank has sought re-deployment of officials from the IES to work as economists and help in policy making. However, the IES cadre may not be easily swayed, as in January this year, NITI Aayog had surrendered 56 positions of IES officers, who were then deployed in various Ministries. Many IES officers embraced the ministerial deployments, since they felt they could contribute more in such roles and rise higher than in the IES, which has just five Secretary-level positions. Besides, NITI Aayog had also appointed seven private professionals as Officers on Special Duty and short-listed 46 candidates to work as Young Professionals. The Finance Ministry, which is the cadre-controlling authority, has asked NITI Aayog to specify its requirements.