Shaktikanta Das appointed as Principal Secretary II to Prime Minister

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Shaktikanta Das, has been appointed as Principal Secretary-II to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His tenure began on February 22, 2025, and will continue as long as the Prime Minister remains in office.

This appointment marks a major development in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Das, a seasoned economist and administrator, will now work alongside Pramod Kumar Mishra, the existing Principal Secretary, to enhance governance and policy execution.

Who is Shaktikanta Das?

Shaktikanta Das is a veteran civil servant with over four decades of experience in finance, governance, and policymaking. His key achievements include:

• Governor, Reserve Bank of India (2018-2024) – Led the central bank through economic turbulence, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Key Contributor to Major Economic Reforms (2016) – Played a pivotal role in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization.
• Former Economic Affairs & Revenue Secretary -Spearheaded crucial economic policies and budgetary decisions.
• Distinguished Bureaucrat – A 1980 batch IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre with extensive experience in economic governance.

With expertise in monetary policy, fiscal strategy, and economic governance, Das is set to bring strategic depth to the PMO.

A New Leadership Model in the PMO

For the first time, the PMO will have two Principal Secretaries working simultaneously. This dual leadership structure is expected to:

• Enhance operational efficiency in governance and decision-making.
• Strengthen inter-ministerial coordination for better policy execution.
• Bring a sharper economic focus to government policies and reforms.

While Pramod Kumar Mishra continues to handle administrative and policy affairs, Das’s expertise in economic strategy and financial management will complement and strengthen the Prime Minister’s policy framework.

Why This Appointment is Important?

Shaktikanta Das has played a key role in shaping India’s economic policies. As RBI Governor, he successfully addressed several economic challenges, including:

• Managing the COVID-19 Crisis – Implemented financial measures to stabilize the economy and support key sectors.
• Controlling Inflation – Took strategic policy decisions to maintain price stability.
• Strengthening Banking & Financial Reforms – Reinforced financial institutions and regulatory mechanisms for economic resilience.

In his new role, Das will focus on:

• Advising the Prime Minister on critical economic and financial matters.
• Coordinating seamlessly between ministries, particularly Finance and Commerce.
• Driving major economic and administrative reforms for sustained growth.

His proven leadership and expertise in handling complex economic issues will bring greater momentum to policy execution and economic governance.

What’s Next?

The appointment of Shaktikanta Das signals the government’s focus on economic stability and long-term reforms. Moving forward, we can expect:

• Greater emphasis on financial policies, economic development, and fiscal responsibility.
• Closer collaboration between the PMO, RBI, and Finance Ministry for integrated decision-making.
• Faster, data-driven policy execution to address emerging economic challenges effectively.

With his extensive experience, leadership, and expertise, Das is poised to play a crucial role in shaping India’s economic future.