Over the past 11 years, the Narendra Modi government has driven transformative change in India, reshaping governance, economic policy, and social welfare through ambitious initiatives. Central to this transformation are the bureaucrats, the backbone of any government, who translated Modi’s vision into action with expertise and precision.
This piece highlights 11 exceptional bureaucrats whose strategic roles in the PMO, ministries, and institutions have shaped policies like Digital India, GST, and Ayushman Bharat. Their administrative acumen, policy execution, and alignment with Modi’s vision have empowered millions, making them pivotal architects of India’s progress.
These are – Former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister (2nd) Mr. Shakti Kanta Das, National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval, Cabinet Secretary Mr. T.V. Somanathan, Former Cabinet Secretary Mr. Rajiv Gauba, Former Director of Enforcement Directorate Mr. Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Former CEO of NITI Ayog and G20 Sherpa Mr. Amitabh Kant, Former Finance and Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia, Former Revenue Secretary and CEO of UIDAI Mr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, and Former Home and Finance Secretary Mr. Rajiv Mehrishi. The list is not exhaustive. No list can ever possibly be. But, we did stick our neck out.
Some of these we have profiled from time to time. We are giving links of their stories here. Please keep reading…
Nripendra Misra
He was the first bureaucrat to be appointed in Modi’s PMO in 2014 and for whom he had to enact a law. Mr. Nripendra Misra, a 1967-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer, served as Principal Secretary to PM Narendra Modi (2014–2019), crafting policies while maintaining an exceptionally low-profile. Known for bridging the PMO with ministries, he oversaw policy implementation for schemes like Digital India and Swachh Bharat. PM Modi had full trust in him so much that he entrusted him with his two pet projects after he demitted office in 2019.
Post-PMO, he was appointed Chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, leading the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya, to be completed by the end of 2025 and Chairman of Prime Ministers Museum. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2021, Mishra’s academic credentials include an MPA from Harvard. His strategic oversight and decision-making have shaped major governance and cultural projects.
P.K. Mishra
Mr. P.K. Mishra, succeeded Mr. Nripendra Mishra as Principal Secretary to PM Modi. A 1972-batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, he assumed charge in 2019, after serving as Additional Principal Secretary for five years during Modi’s first term as Prime Minister. A trusted aide from Modi’s Gujarat tenure, he handles key bureaucratic appointments and policy oversight, including Mission Karmayogi.
His expertise in disaster management and economics (PhD from Sussex) has driven initiatives like PM Kisan and Digital India. Known for his low-key style, Mishra’s centralized control in the PMO has streamlined governance. He was granted cabinet rank in 2019, reflecting his pivotal role in Modi’s administration.
Read More About Him: A Rural Economist’s Journey To The Longest Serving PM’s Principal Secretary
Shaktikanta Das
After serving as Governor of Reserve Bank of India for six years since 2018, Mr. Shaktikanta Das, a 1980-batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer, has recently been appointed Principal Secretary to PM Modi. He will be serving alongside Mr PK Mishra. He is one of the key advisors top PM Modi on economic affairs.
As RBI Governor his monetary policies stabilized the economy during the COVID-19 crisis, balancing growth and inflation. Das’s measures, like loan moratoriums, supported businesses and individuals, aligning with schemes like PM Kisan. His tenure saw digital payment growth, bolstering Digital India. With an MA in history, Das’s pragmatic approach earned global recognition. Reappointed in 2021, his policies have strengthened India’s financial ecosystem, ensuring resilience and supporting Modi’s economic vision.
Ajit Doval
Architect of Modi Government’s most strategic and diplomatic initiatives Mr. Ajit Doval has been the National Security Advisor since 2014. Known for his strategic acumen, Mr. Doval, a , a 1968-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, masterminded surgical strikes (Uri, Balakot) and shaped India’s security policies. His diplomatic efforts, like securing Indian personnel from Qatar, highlight his influence.
Granted cabinet rank in 2019, Doval’s role extends to intelligence and foreign policy, making him a cornerstone of Modi’s security framework. His third-term reappointment in 2024 underscores his unmatched tenure and impact on national security, directly supporting India’s global standing.
Read More About Him: NSA Ajit Doval’s Legend Has Been Growing With Time
Rajiv Gauba
Mr. Rajiv Gauba, a 1982-batch Jharkhand cadre IAS officer, has been Cabinet Secretary since 2019. He coordinated India’s COVID-19 response and the abrogation of Article 370, ensuring seamless policy execution. Gauba oversees schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Ayushman Bharat, driving transformative outcomes.
His extended tenure (with multiple extensions) reflects his critical role in Modi’s governance model. Previously Home Secretary, Gauba’s administrative acumen ensures inter-ministerial coordination, making him a linchpin in implementing Modi’s vision for inclusive development.
T.V. Somanathan
Mr. T.V. Somanathan, a 1987-batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer, was Finance Secretary since 2021 till he got elevated to the pinnacle of the bureaucracy as Cabinet Secretary in August 2024. His fiscal expertise has guided India’s economic recovery post-COVID, managing welfare schemes like PM Kisan and Ayushman Bharat.
Previously Expenditure Secretary, he streamlined government spending. Somanathan’s academic background includes a PhD in economics and chartered accountancy. His role in budget formulation and economic reforms has bolstered India’s financial stability. Known for innovative fiscal policies, he has been a key figure in Modi 3.0, ensuring resources for transformative initiatives.
Read More About Him: The Visionary Behind India’s Financial Reforms: Meet Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan
Amitabh Kant
Mr. Amitabh Kant, a 1980-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer, served as CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2024) and Secretary, DIPP (2014–2016). He spearheaded Make in India, Startup India, and Smart Cities, driving economic growth and job creation. His dynamic leadership made India the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. Kant’s focus on urban development and backward districts transformed infrastructure. His global advocacy for India’s economic potential enhanced FDI inflows. Post-NITI, he continues influencing policy as a thought leader, aligning with Modi’s vision of a developed India.
Read More About Him: Meet Amitabh Kant, the Mastermind of ‘Incredible India’ Campaign
Read More About Him: From a Colonial Past to a Global Economic Powerhouse, How India Made It!
Sanjay Kumar Mishra
The longest serving Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED) Mr. Sanjay Kumar Mishra is a 1984-batch Himachal Pradesh cadre IRS officer. He served as Director of the Enforcement Directorate from 2018 to 2023). His tenure saw high-profile investigations into financial crimes, strengthening anti-corruption measures.
Mishra’s extended term, despite legal challenges, reflects his role in aligning ED’s actions with Modi’s anti-corruption agenda. His work supported economic transparency, complementing GST and Digital India. Known for his low-profile yet firm approach, Mishra’s investigations targeted economic offenders, enhancing public trust in financial governance. He retired in 2023, leaving a legacy of robust enforcement. His importance can gauged from the fact that PM Modi again hired his services through in a changed role – he was appointed full-time member of Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council on March 26 this year.
Hasmukh Adhia
Hasmukh Adhia, a 1981-batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, was Finance Secretary (2014–2018) and Revenue Secretary. He played a key role in rolling out GST, a landmark tax reform, and was among the few aware of demonetization in 2016. His clean-up of the Padma awards process enhanced its credibility. Post-retirement, Adhia became Chairman of Bank of Baroda and an advisor to Gujarat’s government. His contributions to fiscal policy supported initiatives like PMJDY, fostering financial inclusion for millions. Adhia’s Gujarat connection with Modi ensured trust and efficiency.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey
Ajay Bhushan Pandey, a 1984-batch Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, served as Revenue Secretary (2018–2020) and UIDAI CEO (2016–2020). He scaled Aadhaar’s reach, enabling the JAM trinity for schemes like PMJDY and Ayushman Bharat. As Revenue Secretary, he supported GST implementation. Later, as Finance Secretary (2020–2021), he managed economic policies during COVID-19. Currently NFRA Chairperson, Pandey’s tech-driven approach strengthened digital governance, enhancing service delivery for millions. His Gujarat cadre roots and expertise made him a key Modi aide.
Rajiv Mehrishi
Mr. Rajiv Mehrishi has served almost every conceivable post an IAS officer aspires for while joining the service. He has been Finance Secretary and Home Secretary in Mr Modi’s team before being appointed Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, a constitutional position.
A 1978-batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer, was Finance Secretary (2014-2015), Home Secretary (2015–2017) and CAG (2017–2020). As Home Secretary, he managed internal security during critical reforms like Article 370’s abrogation. As CAG, he ensured financial accountability, auditing schemes like Swachh Bharat. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022, Mehrishi’s economic expertise (from LSE) and administrative rigor strengthened governance. His tenure supported Modi’s transparency agenda, impacting public trust in financial systems. Post-retirement, he advises on policy, leveraging his vast experience.
