Shaktikanta Das Steps into PMO as Principal Secretary
In a notable development, former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as a Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision comes as India faces mounting economic challenges both on the domestic and global fronts. As specified by the government notification, Das will serve in this capacity for the duration of Modi's term, unless new orders are issued.
Shaktikanta Das is not a newcomer to high-stakes economic roles. With over four decades of experience as an Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1980 Tamil Nadu cadre, he's played a crucial role in directing India's monetary policy during turbulent times, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure as RBI Governor, until December 2023, is particularly noted for his adept handling of liquidity management and regulatory adjustments that underpinned economic stability.
Dual Leadership at the Prime Minister's Office
Interestingly, Das's appointment marks a first in the history of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with the introduction of a dual leadership as he joins PK Mishra, who has already been serving as Principal Secretary. This strategic move may be aimed at reinforcing the PMO's capacity to implement complex economic reforms and policies.
During his previous engagements with the government, Das has been at the helm of pivotal initiatives such as demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation. His extensive background in finance, taxation, and infrastructure bring a reservoir of knowledge and expertise that could be instrumental as India prepares to tackle economic challenges and pursue growth-oriented reforms.
The addition of Das to the PMO at this juncture underscores the emphasis on shoring up India's economic stratagem amidst global uncertainties. His role is anticipated to complement existing strategies and provide a robust framework for economic resilience. With global markets experiencing volatility, India may well benefit from Das's foresight and seasoned perspective in steering the economic ship through rocky waters.
