Finance Chief TV Somanathan Named New Cabinet Secretary, Replaces Rajiv Gauba

In a significant move, the central government has appointed TV Somanathan, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the new Cabinet Secretary. Somanathan, who is currently serving as the Finance Secretary, will step into his new role on August 30, 2024. His appointment is set for a two-year term, succeeding Rajiv Gauba, who has held the position since August 30, 2019.

The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in the Indian government, playing a crucial role in overseeing the administration of the central government. This position involves managing the smooth operation of government business across various ministries and working directly under the Prime Minister.

TV Somanathan, an IAS officer from the 1987 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre, is recognized for his extensive experience and exceptional service. Before his current role as Finance Secretary, Somanathan has held several prestigious positions, including Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. His international experience includes serving as a Director at the World Bank.

Notably, Somanathan joined the civil service with the second rank in his batch and was honored with the Gold Medal for being the Best IAS Probationer. His diverse and distinguished career makes him a well-qualified choice for this top administrative role.

As Somanathan prepares to take on his new responsibilities, he will first serve as Officer on Special Duty in the Cabinet Secretariat until he formally assumes the position of Cabinet Secretary. This transition marks a new chapter in his esteemed career, and he is expected to bring his extensive expertise to the role, contributing to the effective functioning of the central government.