India’s veteran Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, TV Somanathan, officially assumed the role of Cabinet Secretary for the government on Friday, succeeding Rajiv Gauba who retired. Somanathan, a 1987 batch officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. He played a pivotal role in implementing the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, a relief package for the poor, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Somanathan holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Calcutta University and has completed the executive development program at Harvard Business School. His qualifications extend beyond academia, as he is also a fully qualified chartered accountant, cost accountant, and company secretary. This impressive combination of skills and knowledge positions him well to address the complex economic and administrative challenges facing India.
The government’s decision to appoint a career IAS officer from his home state cadre is seen as a strategic move, particularly as India strives to achieve an $800 billion trade target in the current fiscal year. This target is crucial in contributing to the government’s ambitious goal of transforming India into a $5 trillion economy in the next few years.
Somanathan, who ranked second in the 1987 Civil Services Examination, takes over from Rajiv Gauba, a 1982-batch officer who held the post since August 30, 2019. Gauba, the longest-serving cabinet secretary, completed a five-year term upon his retirement. Somanathan will serve as Cabinet Secretary for a two-year term.
Throughout his career, Somanathan has made significant contributions to various sectors. Notably, he played a crucial role in implementing fiscal reforms, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), while serving as joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2017. He also held the position of joint secretary in the ministry of corporate affairs. His experience extends to the international arena, where he served as director of corporate affairs at the World Bank in Washington D.C.
Prior to his appointment as Cabinet Secretary, Somanathan served as finance secretary and secretary of the department of expenditure. His tenure in Tamil Nadu was marked by several significant roles, including managing director of the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., secretary to the chief minister, and additional chief secretary & commissioner of commercial taxes during the implementation of GST. He also served as commissioner for disciplinary proceedings and played a key role in the financial and operational aspects of the Chennai metro rail project.
Somanathan’s journey with the World Bank began in 1996 through the Young Professionals Program, where he worked as a financial economist in the East Asia & Pacific Regional Vice Presidency. He later became one of the youngest sector managers at the Bank, overseeing the Budget Policy Group. From 2011 to 2015, he served as director, showcasing his significant contributions to global economic and financial policies.
Beyond his professional achievements, Somanathan is an accomplished author with over 80 published papers and articles on economics, finance, and public policy. He is the author of three books published by renowned publishers like McGraw Hill, Cambridge University Press, and Oxford University Press.
Somanathan’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary comes at a time when India faces numerous economic and administrative challenges. His extensive experience, deep understanding of economic policies, and proven ability to lead and implement reforms make him well-equipped to navigate these challenges and guide India towards its ambitious goals.
