Shaktikanta Das, Former RBI Governor, Appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi

Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the ‘Principal Secretary-2’ to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as announced by a government circular. Das’s appointment, effective from the date he assumes office, will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders. This decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Shaktikanta Das, a retired IAS officer of the 1980 batch from the Tamil Nadu cadre, served as RBI’s governor from 2018 until December 2023, overseeing critical economic challenges, including the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the management of India’s monetary policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Das, 67, brings decades of experience to his new role, having played a crucial role in shaping India’s economic landscape. Prior to his tenure at RBI, he held significant positions, including Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs and the Department of Revenue. A graduate of St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and the University of Birmingham, Das’s contributions to the economic framework of India are notable, with his leadership during the pandemic and his involvement in key financial reforms. Post-retirement, he also served as a member of the 15th Finance Commission and as the G20 Sherpa for India, further solidifying his expertise in economic governance.