Who is Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Odisha-Cadre IAS Officer Appointed as Union Finance Secretary

New Delhi: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987 batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, was appointed as India's new Finance Secretary on Saturday. This appointment came following the elevation of his predecessor, T.V. Somanathan, to the position of Cabinet Secretary. Pandey's role as Finance Secretary follows his tenure as the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), a crucial department under the Ministry of Finance.

Who is Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Tuhin Kanta Pandey is a 1987 batch IAS from Odisha cadre, and he has served for 36 years as Civil Servant. Kanta holds a degree in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh. He also completed an MBA from a university in the UK before starting his career in civil services. 

Kanta's Long Career in Civil Services

Before his latest appointment, Pandey served as the Secretary of DIPAM, a position he held since 2019. During his time there, Pandey oversaw India's key disinvestment programs, aimed at maximizing the value of central government firms. His tenure at DIPAM included the landmark sale of Air India, a national carrier that had become a significant financial burden. The successful divestment of Air India to the Tata group in January 2022 was one of the most high-profile transactions under his leadership.

In addition to his role in DIPAM, Pandey briefly held the additional charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2021. He managed the ministry during a transition period, from April 26 to May 13, while the regular secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola was on leave.

Prior to his central government roles, Pandey held important positions in the state of Odisha , where he served as Principal Secretary of the Finance Department. In this role, he oversaw the state's finances and managed its budget, contributing to significant policy reforms and financial management improvements.

Pandey’s work in Odisha and at the national level reflects his experience and deep understanding of public finance and economic administration.