In a significant move, the Prime Minister's Office has brought onboard Shaktikanta Das as Principal Secretary-2, marking a milestone with two principal secretaries working simultaneously for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Appointed on February 22, 2025, Das joins forces with PK Mishra, the first Principal Secretary, doubling the administrative might at the PMO's disposal. This dual-appointment strategy reflects the heightened focus on steering India’s economic policy and strategy under Modi's leadership.
Das's entry into the role isn’t just another bureaucratic appointment; it represents a strategic maneuver by the administration to leverage his extensive experience in economic policymaking. A 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, Das brings a rich legacy of experience, having served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 2018 to 2024. His tenure was marked by navigating India's financial landscape through tumultuous events like demonetization, the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the COVID-19 pandemic, and several geopolitical tensions.
A Legacy of Economic Stewardship
During his RBI governorship, Das was instrumental in reinforcing the synergy between the central bank and the government, ensuring a seamless flow of communication and effective policy implementation. His stewardship during the economic challenges posed by the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown remains a testament to his strategic acumen, where he ensured the stability of financial systems while supporting recovery initiatives.
Beyond his role as RBI Governor, Das's résumé is peppered with pivotal roles: as Revenue Secretary, he played a crucial role in tax reform initiatives; as Economic Affairs Secretary, he oversaw India’s fiscal policy during dynamic economic phases; and as India's G20 Sherpa, he positioned the country on the global economic stage. These roles have furnished him with a holistic understanding of India's economic framework, making his current appointment both fitting and strategic.
The appointment is designed to be co-terminus with Modi's tenure, indicating a coherent alignment of objectives between the Prime Minister and his new appointee. The dual framework with both Das and Mishra is anticipated to enhance not only the efficiency but also the depth of policy discussions, particularly in economically sensitive areas.
As India continues to grapple with global economic uncertainties and domestic challenges, this enhanced administrative structure seeks to ensure robust governance and timely economic decisions. The combination of Das’s economic insights and Mishra’s operational oversight aims to forge a powerful administrative team ready to tackle upcoming policy and governance challenges.
