Who Is Shaktikanta Das, Former RBI Governor Now Appointed Principal Secretary-2 To PM Modi

New Delhi: Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ), has been appointed Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi . The ex-RBI governor's appointment marks a new chapter in his illustrious career with extensive economic policy-making experience to support the Prime Minister's office (PMO). The appointment of Shaktikanta Das is being considered a valuable move, as the Prime Minister's office will have a seasoned economist who can provide deep insights into economic policy. Amidst the complexities of global economic trends, Das's expertise will be instrumental in shaping the country's economic future.

Former IAS Shaktikanta Das was born on February 26, 1957, in Odisha 's Bhubaneswar. He completed his Bachelor's and Master's in history from Delhi's St Stephen's College. A former IAS officer of the 1980-batch Tamil Nadu cadre, he served in various roles in the Tamil Nadu and central governments. Das's tenure as RBI Governor, which spanned six years from December 2018, was marked by his leadership in bringing stability and steering India's economy through turbulent periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and high inflation.

Das has had a distinguished career in public service. He served as the 25th Governor of the RBI from December 2018 to December 2024, playing a crucial role in shaping India's monetary policy. Before his tenure at the RBI, Das held key positions such as Union Economic Affairs Secretary and Union Revenue Secretary.

New Role and Responsibilities

As Principal Secretary-2 to PM Narendra Modi, Das will work alongside PK Mishra, who holds the position of Principal Secretary-1. His tenure will be co-terminus with the Prime Minister's term or until further orders. His vast experience in governance and economic policy-making is well-equipped to provide valuable insights to the PMO.

Achievements

Das's achievements as RBI Governor are noteworthy. He implemented a series of measures to support growth and strengthen India's financial stability during the Covid-19 pandemic. His innovative policy measures spanned monetary policy, liquidity conditions, and regulatory policies, preserving financial stability while mitigating the pandemic's adverse effects on the economy.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of his contributions to public administration, Das was awarded a Doctor of Letters (D Litt) by Utkal University in 2021.