Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Appointed as Principal Secretary to PM Modi
In a significant administrative move, Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This appointment, effective immediately, aligns with the government’s strategy to leverage experienced leadership in pivotal roles.
Appointment Details
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has officially sanctioned Das’s new role. According to the government release, his tenure is “co-terminus with the term of the prime minister or until further orders.” This implies that Das will serve in this capacity for the duration of Prime Minister Modi’s current term, unless directed otherwise.
Professional Background
Shaktikanta Das, 67, is a seasoned bureaucrat with a distinguished career in public service. A 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, he holds a master’s degree in history from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a postgraduate degree in public administration from the University of Birmingham.
During his tenure as Economic Affairs Secretary, Das was instrumental in the government’s demonetization initiative in November 2016, overseeing the withdrawal of high-denomination currency notes. He also played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2017, streamlining India’s indirect taxation system.
Tenure as RBI Governor
Appointed as the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in December 2018, following the resignation of Urjit Patel, Das led the central bank through a series of economic challenges. His leadership was particularly noteworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he implemented measures to stabilize the financial system amidst global economic disruptions. Das’s term as RBI Governor concluded in December 2024, with Sanjay Malhotra succeeding him as the 26th governor.
Implications of the Appointment
Das’s transition to the role of Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister is expected to bring a wealth of economic and administrative expertise to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). His extensive experience in economic policy and governance is anticipated to contribute significantly to the formulation and execution of the government’s strategic initiatives.
This appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening its core team with seasoned professionals, aiming to navigate the complexities of governance and economic management effectively.
