Shaktikanta Das Takes Over as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister

A New Role at the Top of India’s Bureaucracy

Shaktikanta Das Takes Over as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister: In a move that surprised many, Shaktikanta Das, the former RBI Governor, has been appointed Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister on February 22, 2025. With this, a seasoned economist has now stepped into one of the most powerful positions in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). His journey from IAS officer of the 1980 Tamil Nadu cadre to the RBI’s top post and now to the PMO showcases a rare blend of administrative experience and policy insight.

From Classroom to Centre Stage

Das began his career with a history degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. But it didn’t take long for him to shift gears from books to bureaucracy. Over four decades, he held several key government positions—from Revenue Secretary to Secretary in the Department of Fertilisers. These roles laid the foundation for his deep understanding of both fiscal policy and public administration.

Making an Impact at the Reserve Bank of India

As the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (2018–2024), Das became a familiar name during times of crisis. Whether it was navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, handling the economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war, or tackling inflation, his steady leadership won wide praise. He played a central role in managing interest rates and currency stability. For instance, during the pandemic, the RBI announced loan moratoriums and cut policy rates to keep the economy afloat—moves that directly helped middle-class borrowers and small businesses.

Pushing India’s Digital Economy

Under his watch, India saw a massive rise in digital payments. The UPI system, which allows instant money transfers, expanded its reach internationally. Countries like Singapore and UAE began accepting UPI, a big boost to India’s image as a digital leader. Das also oversaw the withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes, a key move post-demonetisation, aimed at reducing unaccounted cash flow.

What Does a Principal Secretary Do?

The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister is not just a bureaucratic post—it’s a command centre. This role involves coordinating between ministries, drafting critical policy briefs, and acting as the PM’s top advisor. Think of it as the PM’s “chief of staff.” Das will now share responsibilities with Pramod Kumar Mishra, making it a dual leadership model at the PMO. His deep experience in both monetary and fiscal domains will help in better coordination across government bodies.

Challenges Ahead

Das steps into the PMO at a crucial time. With the global economy still volatile and India aiming for high growth, his job will involve smoothing policy execution and strengthening ties between ministries. Expectations are high, especially with reforms like Make in India, Digital India, and Gati Shakti demanding fast coordination and strategic planning.

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