Arunish Chawla, IAS (BH:1992), Appointed as Secretary of Department of Investment & Public Asset Management
New Delhi, January 10, 2025 - In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle ahead of the Union Budget 2025, the Indian government has appointed Shri Arunish Chawla, IAS (Bihar:1992), as the new Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). This move comes as part of strategic adjustments within the Finance Ministry, with Chawla transitioning from his recent role as Revenue Secretary.
Chawla, who was appointed Revenue Secretary on December 25, 2024, has now been reassigned to lead DIPAM, while Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the former DIPAM Secretary, steps into the role of Revenue Secretary. This exchange of positions was orchestrated by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, aiming to bolster the ministry's leadership as it prepares for the crucial financial planning period ahead.
Known for his extensive experience and academic background, Chawla has a Ph.D. in Economics from the London School of Economics, specializing in international macroeconomics. His career highlights include significant roles in various capacities, both within India and abroad. He has served as the Managing Director of the Patna Metro Rail Project, held foreign assignments like Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund, and was Minister (Economic) at the Embassy of India in Washington DC.
Before his tenure as Revenue Secretary, Chawla was the Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. His new role at DIPAM will see him spearheading India's disinvestment strategy and managing public sector enterprises, a critical task as the government aims to optimize public asset management and enhance investment in the economy.
This appointment has been noted by industry watchers as a move to leverage Chawla's expertise in economic policy and his experience in managing large-scale projects to navigate through the complexities of public sector reforms and disinvestment processes. Additionally, Chawla will hold the additional charge of Secretary in the Department of Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Culture until further orders, showcasing his versatile administrative capabilities.
The reshuffle has sparked discussions among financial analysts and policy makers, with many anticipating that Chawla's leadership could influence the direction of India's asset monetization plans and the strategic divestment of public sector companies in the upcoming fiscal year. His background in economics and previous roles in finance-related departments are expected to bring a methodical approach to DIPAM's operations.
