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. This appointment marks a significant shift in the Indian bureaucratic landscape, as Das brings a unique blend of experience in both monetary and fiscal policy. Das joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1980 and has held several key positions, including Secretary of Fertilisers and Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
He served as the 25th Governor of the RBI from 2018 to December 2024, during which he navigated various economic challenges, such as the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war on inflation. As the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Das will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts across various ministries and advising the Prime Minister on critical economic matters. He will work alongside the current Principal Secretary, Pramod Kumar Mishra, in preparing briefing notes for discussions with foreign dignitaries, ensuring inter-ministerial coordination, and managing key communications for the Prime Minister. Das is recognized for his adept handling of the demonetisation process in 2016 and his leadership during the national lockdown due to the pandemic, showcasing his ability to maintain stability within the financial markets during crises.
