Who has been appointed as a Principal Secretary-2 to PM Narendra Modi in February 2025?

The correct answer is Shaktikanta Das.

Key Points

• Shaktikanta Das, the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is recognized for his significant contributions to India's financial and economic policies.
• He was appointed as the Principal Secretary-2 to PM Narendra Modi in February 2025, reinforcing his pivotal role in India's economic governance.
• Shaktikanta Das has served in various key positions, including Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs and Secretary of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance.
• He played a crucial role in implementing economic reforms, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and measures to strengthen fiscal policy frameworks.
• Das’s appointment aligns with the government’s commitment to leveraging experienced policymakers for enhancing governance and driving economic growth.

Additional Information

• Principal Secretary Role
  • The Principal Secretary is one of the most senior bureaucratic positions in India, directly responsible for advising the Prime Minister on policy matters and implementation strategies.
  • Principal Secretaries often coordinate among ministries and departments, ensuring seamless execution of government initiatives.
  • The appointment reflects trust in the individual’s expertise, experience, and ability to manage critical national issues.
• Shaktikanta Das's Contributions
  • He spearheaded the demonetization initiative in November 2016, playing a key role in its implementation and communication strategy.
  • Das has been instrumental in shaping India’s Monetary Policy Framework during his tenure at RBI.
  • Under his leadership, RBI has focused on financial inclusion initiatives, improving access to banking services for underserved populations.
• RBI's Role in Economic Governance
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is responsible for regulating the monetary policy, ensuring the stability of the financial system, and promoting economic growth.
  • Key functions include controlling inflation, managing currency supply, and ensuring liquidity in the economy.
• Economic Reforms in India
  • India has witnessed significant economic reforms, such as GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and fiscal consolidation measures.
  • These reforms aim to streamline taxation, improve ease of doing business, and strengthen the financial system.