Shaktikanta Das Takes Charge as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-02-25 09:13:31 |

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Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, effective February 22, 2025. This appointment signifies a notable shift in India’s bureaucratic landscape, as Das brings a wealth of experience in both monetary and fiscal policy. His new role will be pivotal in facilitating coordination across various ministries and offering critical economic advice to the Prime Minister.

Das began his journey in public service in 1980 when he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the Tamil Nadu cadre. An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, with a degree in history, he has held several significant roles throughout his career. These include serving as Secretary of Fertilisers and Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. His most notable role before this appointment was his tenure as the 25th Governor of the RBI, a position he held from 2018 until December 2024.

During his time as RBI Governor, Das played a critical role in steering India’s economy through major challenges, including the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. His leadership was instrumental in managing inflation, overseeing the withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes from circulation, and promoting digital payment platforms like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay on an international scale.

As the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Das will head the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), managing administrative duties and facilitating coordination between ministries. His responsibilities include preparing briefing notes for high-level meetings, overseeing communications for the Prime Minister, and ensuring smooth inter-ministerial collaboration. He will be working alongside the current Principal Secretary, Pramod Kumar Mishra, to ensure continuity and efficiency in administrative operations.

Das’s career is marked by significant achievements, including his role in managing the aftermath of the 2016 demonetisation process and his leadership during the nationwide lockdown caused by the pandemic. His expertise has been crucial in maintaining stability within India’s financial markets during crises and fostering strong communication between the RBI and the Ministry of Finance.

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