In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per a government notification released today.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has confirmed that Das’ tenure will be co-terminus with the Prime Minister’s term or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Meanwhile, the government has also extended the tenure of NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam by a year, effective from February 24, 2025. A retired 1987-batch IAS officer, Subrahmanyam was initially appointed as NITI Aayog’s CEO in February 2023 for a two-year term.
Shaktikanta Das: A Veteran Administrator at the Helm
With a distinguished career spanning four decades, Shaktikanta Das brings a wealth of governance expertise across finance, taxation, infrastructure, and industries at both the central and state levels.
Serving as RBI Governor from December 2018 to December 2024, Das played a pivotal role in navigating India’s financial landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership saw the central bank implement a range of innovative monetary and regulatory policies, ensuring financial stability while mitigating the pandemic’s economic impact.
From liquidity infusion to interest rate management and regulatory forbearance, Das’ policy responses were instrumental in supporting economic recovery and maintaining macroeconomic resilience.
His transition from monetary policymaking to governance at the highest level signals a strategic move, positioning an experienced technocrat at the heart of India’s policy framework as the nation navigates evolving economic and geopolitical challenges.
