With the extended tenure of Shaktikanta Das as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor set to end on December 10, 2024, the corridors of power are abuzz with speculations about his successor. Das, who took over as the 25th Governor on December 11, 2018, after Urjit Patel’s resignation, has had a six-year term marked by significant economic challenges. However, the government has yet to provide clarity on whether he will receive another extension or if a new appointment will be made.
While speculations may continue until the weekend, prevailing sentiments suggest the government might opt for a seasoned bureaucrat to ensure stability, as seen in the post-Urjit Patel scenario. Observers believe administrative expertise may hold more weight than performance in the selection process.
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Among the names being discussed, former Union Financial Services Secretary and current IRDA Chairman Debashish Panda is seen as a strong contender. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, is also believed to have a fair chance. Serving bureaucrats like DEA Secretary Ajay Seth and DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kant Pandey are considered natural claimants for the role.However, some experts within government circles have not ruled out Deputy CAG Anand Mohan Bajaj, whose extensive experience in finance and economic affairs over three decades makes him a potential dark horse in the race.
