Dr. T.V. Somanathan Takes Over as Cabinet Secretary

Dr. T.V. Somanathan, a senior IAS officer of the 1987 Tamil Nadu cadre, has assumed the role of Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba after his superannuation. Dr. Somanathan brings extensive experience from both central and state government positions, as well as international roles, notably at the World Bank. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics, and he is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.

Career in the Central Government

Dr. Somanathan has held significant roles at the Centre, including Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and Finance Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Expenditure. He also served as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

Roles in Tamil Nadu Government

In Tamil Nadu, Dr. Somanathan served as Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Additional Chief Secretary & Commissioner of Commercial Taxes during the GST rollout. He also served as Commissioner of Disciplinary Proceedings.

International Experience at the World Bank

Dr. Somanathan joined the World Bank in 1996 through the Young Professionals Program, working as a Financial Economist for the East Asia & Pacific region. He was later appointed Manager of the Budget Policy Group and became one of the Bank’s youngest Sector Managers. From 2011 to 2015, he served as Director at the World Bank.

Educational Qualifications

Dr. Somanathan holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Calcutta University and completed the Executive Development Program at Harvard Business School. He is also a fully qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.