TV Somanathan is a senior Indian civil servant who has recently become the Cabinet Secretary of India, the top position for a bureaucrat in the Indian government. He took over this role on August 10, 2024, after Rajiv Gauba, the previous Cabinet Secretary, retired. Gauba had served in this position for five years, a notably long tenure, and was known for his significant contributions to government policy and administration during his time in office.

TV Somanathan’s background

TV Somanathan is an experienced IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer from the 1987 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre. He has impressive academic qualifications, being a chartered accountant, cost accountant, and company secretary. Before becoming Cabinet Secretary, he served as the Union Finance Secretary, one of the most important positions in the government responsible for managing the country’s finances.

What roles has TV Somanathan held before?

Throughout his career, TV Somanathan has held several key positions, including:

• In the Prime Minister’s Office: He was both a Joint Secretary and an Additional Secretary, where he played a vital role in managing various aspects of the government’s functioning.
• In the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs: He served as a Joint Secretary, focusing on corporate regulations and policies.
• At the World Bank: He was the Director for Corporate Affairs in Washington, D.C., giving him international experience in financial management.
• In the Department of Expenditure: He worked as Secretary, overseeing how government funds are spent.
• In Tamil Nadu: He held several significant roles, such as Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Corporation, Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Commercial Taxes during implementation the GST (Goods and Services Tax).

Given his extensive experience in finance and administration, TV Somanathan is expected to have a strong impact as the new Cabinet Secretary. His background suggests that he will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing government policies at the highest level.