New Delhi [India]: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at her North Block office on Saturday evening, sparking speculation about his future as RBI Governor.
The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, comes just days before Das’ six-year term as Governor ends on December 10. This follows the recent monetary policy meeting, where key decisions on India’s financial outlook were discussed.
Uncertainty Around Extension
It remains unclear whether Das will receive an extension. If granted, he could become the longest-serving RBI Governor since Benegal Rama Rau, who served for 7.5 years from 1949 to 1957.
Legacy of Shaktikanta Das
Shaktikanta Das, who assumed office as the 25th Governor of the RBI on December 12, 2018, has had his term extended once in 2021. Known as a seasoned bureaucrat, Das has over four decades of experience in governance and policymaking.
Before his RBI tenure, Das served as Secretary of the Department of Revenue and Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. He was also a Member of the 15th Finance Commission and India’s G20 Sherpa, contributing significantly to international financial engagements.
Das’ career highlights include:
- Close involvement in the preparation of eight Union Budgets during his time in the Ministry of Finance.
- Key roles in central and state governments in areas such as finance, taxation, industries, and infrastructure.
A postgraduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, Das has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s monetary policies during his tenure.
As the December 10 deadline approaches, the nation awaits clarity on whether Das will continue his leadership at the helm of the RBI or if a new Governor will be appointed.