T.V. Somanathan Appointed as India's New Cabinet Secretary

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T.V. Somanathan, a 1987-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the Cabinet Secretary of India by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet.

An Overview of the News

• Somanathan will replace Rajiv Gauba, who is the country's longest-serving Cabinet Secretary and had received a one-year extension last year.

• Somanathan will assume office on August 30 and serve a two-year tenure. He will first discharge duties as Officer on Special Duty in the Cabinet Secretariat until he formally takes over as Cabinet Secretary.

Current and Previous Roles

• Somanathan is currently serving as the Finance Secretary of India.

• Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (2010-2011).

• Joint Secretary/Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister (2015-2017).

Contributions in Tamil Nadu

• Held senior positions like Deputy Secretary (Budget) and Secretary to the Chief Minister.

• Founding MD of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), led the Rs. 14,600 crore Chennai Metro Rail Project.

World Bank Tenure

• Joined World Bank in 1996 as Financial Economist.

• Became one of the World Bank’s youngest Sector Managers in 2000.

• Served as World Bank Director (2011-2015).