Shaktikanta Das Appointed Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi in Strategic Move
Mar, 6 2025
The headlines were abuzz on February 22, 2025, when the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet announced a groundbreaking decision—naming former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das as the first-ever Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This freshly minted role is designed to bolster the Prime Minister's team with one of India's most seasoned bureaucrats.
Das, a seasoned 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Tamil Nadu, boasts a stellar track record. His tenure as RBI Governor from 2018 to 2024 showcased his prowess in steering the Indian economy through choppy waters. Under his leadership, the RBI managed the challenges posed by the 2016 demonetization, navigated the economic turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthened ties with the finance ministry.
An esteemed economist, Das's repertoire extends beyond his time at the helm of the RBI. His career spans roles such as Economic Affairs Secretary, India's G20 Sherpa, and a pivotal member of the 15th Finance Commission. Such experience positions him uniquely to contribute expertly to India’s economic narrative.
The newly appointed Principal Secretary-2 will join hands with Pramod Kumar Mishra, the existing Principal Secretary, aligning his tenure with that of the Prime Minister. This signals a conscious effort by Modi to augment his advisory ecosystem with economists capable of deftly navigating fiscal and monetary policies.
However, this appointment hasn't been without controversy. Opposition parties have raised eyebrows, suspecting underlying political stratagems. Critics are wary about potential political overtones shaping pivotal economic decisions. Yet, voices from economic circles often commend Das for his crisis management skills. As an adept bureaucrat, his insights may well be instrumental in sculpting India's economic policies in the coming years.
Regardless of the political optics, the decision seems to reflect a broader strategy to fortify economic governance. By leveraging Das’s extensive expertise, PM Modi aims to drive forward ambitious economic agendas that promise substantial impact on India’s future.