Shaktikanta Das Steps in as New Principal Secretary to PM Modi

Feb, 26 2025

Shaktikanta Das Takes on New Role

In a notable move within India's political landscape, Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has taken on the influential role of Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Announced through a government notification, this appointment is set to run parallel with the Prime Minister's term unless a change comes about sooner. Das, who embarked on his administrative career as a 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, is no stranger to the intricacies of governmental operations, having previously navigated the complex economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his six-year stint at the RBI, beginning in December 2018, Das became a key figure in implementing monetary strategies and providing liquidity solutions to keep the financial markets stable. His leadership was instrumental in crafting both conventional and innovative monetary policies that were essential for tackling economic disruptions during the worldwide crisis. This experience will undoubtedly enrich his contributions to the Prime Minister's Office, where strategic decision-making is crucial.

Strategic Leadership Moves

Alongside Das's appointment, another significant leadership update is the extension of BVR Subrahmanyam's term as CEO of the NITI Aayog, now set to continue until February 24, 2025. This decision reaffirms the government's confidence in his abilities to guide the country's policy think tank, which plays a crucial role in sculpting development policies.

Das's vast expertise, spanning various sectors such as finance, taxation, infrastructure, and industry, prepares him well for his new responsibilities. His administrative acumen and understanding of financial mechanisms are expected to be major assets in aligning governmental actions with economic needs. As India continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, having a figure like Das in the Prime Minister's team could enhance the country's ability to effectively manage its complex socio-economic challenges.

These bureaucratic appointments signal a steady hand at the wheel, aiming to harmonize policy developments with economic stability, and reflect the government's ongoing efforts to secure robust leadership in critical roles.