New Delhi: Narendra Modi government has appointed TV Somanathan, a 1987 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, as the new Cabinet Secretary. His appointment, announced on Saturday, marks a notable transition as he takes over from Rajiv Gauba, who served an extended five-year term.The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet confirmed the appointment of TV Somanathan, IAS (TN:87), to the position of Cabinet Secretary. His tenure will last for two years. Before assuming this role, Somanathan will serve as an officer on special duty in the Cabinet Secretariat. The decision highlights the governments commitment to continuity and experienced leadership in key administrative positions.Successor Rajiv Gaubas legacyRajiv Gauba, a 1982 batch IAS officer, has been the Cabinet Secretary since 2019. His term was extended in 2021, 2022, and 2023, making him the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary in recent times. Gauba played a pivotal role in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, which led to the bifurcation of the former state into two Union Territories following the abrogation of Article 370.Who is TV SomanathanTV Somanathan brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A distinguished 1987 batch IAS officer from Tamil Nadu, Somanathan holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Calcutta University. His notable career includes serving as the Finance Secretary and Finance Expenditure Secretary. Before his current appointment, he replaced Girish Chandra Murmu as the Finance Secretary.TV Somanathan, IAS appointed as next Cabinet Secretary pic.twitter.com/hp4ujCvrUA— Arvind Gunasekar (@arvindgunasekar) August 10, 2024Somanathans previous roles include joint secretary and additional secretary at the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), and director at the World Banks Corporate Affairs division in Washington, DC. In Tamil Nadu, he served as the Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd and was joint secretary at the Chief Ministers office.
