Shaktikanta Das Appointed Principal Secretary to PM

February 24, 2025

Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India as of February 22, 2025. This appointment marks shift in the Indian bureaucratic landscape as Das brings a unique blend of experience in both monetary and fiscal policy. His role will be very important in coordinating efforts across various ministries and advising the Prime Minister on critical economic matters.

Background of Shaktikanta Das

Shaktikanta Das joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1980, representing the Tamil Nadu cadre. He graduated with a degree in history from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. Over the years, he held several key positions, including Secretary of Fertilisers and Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. His tenure as RBI Governor spanned from 2018 to December 2024.

Tenure as RBI Governor

Das was the 25th Governor of the RBI and served for six years. His leadership was crucial during various economic challenges. He navigated the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war on inflation. He also oversaw changes, including the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes from circulation and initiatives to promote the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay on a global scale.

Role of Principal Secretary

The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister is the administrative head of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). This role involves preparing briefing notes for discussions with foreign dignitaries, ensuring inter-ministerial coordination, and managing key communications for the Prime Minister. Das will work alongside the current Principal Secretary, Pramod Kumar Mishra.

Key Achievements and Challenges

Das is recognised for his adept handling of the demonetisation process in 2016 and his leadership during the national lockdown due to the pandemic. He facilitated smooth operations within financial markets during crises, showcasing his ability to maintain stability. His experience in economic affairs has been instrumental in encouraging communication between the RBI and the finance ministry.

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