Former RBI Governor and retired Odia IAS officer Shaktikanta Das appointed Principal Secretary-2 to PM Narendra Modi

Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Odisha-born officer had earlier discharged his duties at numerous prominent posts.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Saturday appointed Shaktikanta Das, IAS retired as Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister with effect from the date he assumes the office. His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, which is earlier.

Shaktikanta Das’ appointment marks a significant transition from his role as RBI Governor.

Senior Journalist, Akshay Sahoo said that the appointment of Shaktikant Das as the Principal Secretary-2 shows the faith of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Odia officers. PM Narendra Modi had earlier praised the efficiency of officers from Odisha working in the PMO.

Shaktikanta Das’ appointment alongside PK Mishra (Principal Secretary-1) reflects the government’s trust in his administrative expertise. This role leverages Shaktikant’s six-year tenure at the RBI, where he navigated crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained financial stability through inflation-targeting policies.

Shaktikanta Das’s move to the PMO follows years of collaborative yet autonomous engagement with the Finance Ministry. While critics initially questioned his proximity to the government, his tenure saw robust institutional coordination—evident in GST implementation and liquidity management during COVID-19.