11 Years, 11 Babus: Officials Who Shaped Modi Govt's Policies

Over the past 11 years, the Modi government has led the country through several transformative changes in the fields of governance, economic policies, legal frameworks, and social welfare schemes. And behind the scenes, there were several bureaucrats who toiled hard to make them successful as the backbone of the entire edifice, by turning each vision into action with expertise and precision.

Coinciding with 11 years of PM Modi in office, one can look into the most important babus who played key roles in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), other central ministries and institutions, in formulating and implementing out-of-the-box initiatives like Digital India, Goods & Services Tax (GST), Skill India and Ayushman Bharat. 

Nripendra Misra

A 1967-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Misra was first roped in by the PM as his Principal Secretary as soon as he assumed power. He served in this position during the PM's first term (2014–2019), playing a key role in formulating policies while keeping a low profile.

Mishra is credited with having built a seamless bridge between the PMO and other central ministries, and oversaw the implementation of polices like Digital India and Swachh Bharat. 

The PM’s trust in Misra has been so inviolable that after he retired, he was assigned two pet projects of the PM — the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust that's leading the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya that is scheduled for completion by end-2025; and the PM's Museum — in both of which, he is the Chairman. This makes Mishra the driving force of India’s spiritual and cultural renaissance.

P K Mishra

A 1972-batch Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, P K Mishra currently holds the post of Principal Secretary to the PM, which he took over after Misra retired in 2019. Before that, he had served in the PMO as Additional Principal Secretary to the PM.

He is considered to be one of the PM's most trusted aides since his days as Gujarat Chief Minister. Mishra looks after key bureaucratic appointments and policy oversight, including Mission Karmayogi, and others.

He is known for his expertise in disaster management and understanding of complex economic issues, and is considered the babu behind the formulation and implementation of schemes like PM Kisan and Digital India. He is also known for his low-key style of functioning.

Ajit Doval

A 1968-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, Doval is the National Security Adviser (NSA). He is considered to be the main architect of the Modi government’s strategic, security, and diplomatic initiatives.

He has been the NSA since 2014, and is believed to be the mastermind behind hot pursuits against rogue elements in neighbouring Pakistan, including 'surgical strikes' and ‘Operation Sindoor’. 

Shaktikanta Das

A 1980-batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer, Das, after serving as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for six years since 2018, has recently been shifted to the PMO as Principal Secretary (2) to the PM.

He is considered to be one of the PM's key economic advisers. As RBI Governor, his monetary policies stabilised the economy during the Covid-19 crisis, balancing growth and inflation. His initiatives, like loan moratoriums, supported businesses and individuals, aligning with schemes like PM Kisan. His tenure saw digital payment growth, bolstering Digital India. 

Rajiv Gauba

A 1982-batch Jharkhand cadre IAS officer, Gauba has the distinction of being one of the longest-serving Cabinet Secretaries of India. Credit goes to him for successfully coordinating Covid-19 responses and the government’s decision to do away with the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution.

He ensured seamless policy execution, particularly in the case of schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Ayushman Bharat, which brought transformative changes in Indian society.

In his previous assignment as the Home Secretary, Gauba’s administrative acumen ensured inter-ministerial coordination, making him a linchpin in implementing the PM’s vision for inclusive development. Currently, he has been posted as a member of Niti Aayog, the government’s top think tank.  

T V Somanathan

A 1987-batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer, T V Somanathan is currently holding the post of Cabinet Secretary after Gauba retired. Earlier, he was a Finance Secretary.

His fiscal expertise has guided India’s economic recovery post-Covid, managing welfare schemes like PM Kisan and Ayushman Bharat. He also served as Expenditure Secretary and streamlined government spending.

His role in budget formulation and economic reforms has bolstered India’s financial stability. Known for innovative fiscal policies, he has been a key figure in PM Modi’s third term. 

Amitabh Kant

A 1980-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer, Kant served as CEO of Niti Aayog (2016–2024) and Secretary, DIPP (2014-2016). He is credited with spearheading Make in India, Startup India, and Smart City schemes, which spurred India’s economic growth and jobs.

It was his leadership that India achieved the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. Kant’s focus on urban development and backward districts transformed infrastructure.

His global advocacy for India’s economic potential enhanced FDI inflows. Since his stint at Niti Aayog, he continues influencing policy as a thought leader, aligning with Modi’s vision of a developed India.

Sanjay Kumar Mishra

A 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Mishra is the longest-serving Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), who held the post for five years (2018-23).

He oversaw many high-profile investigations into financial crimes, strengthening anti-corruption measures. His extended term, despite legal challenges, reflects his role in aligning ED’s actions with PM Modi’s anti-corruption agenda.

His work supported economic transparency, complementing GST and Digital India. Known for his low-profile yet firm approach, his investigations targeted economic offenders, enhancing public trust in financial governance.

He retired in 2023, leaving a legacy of robust enforcement, and his importance led him to earn a position in the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council as a full-time member. 

Hasmukh Adhia

A 1981-batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, Adhia was the Finance Secretary (2014-18) and the Revenue Secretary. He played a key role in rolling out GST and was among the few aware of the government’s decision on demonetisation in 2016.

His clean-up of the Padma Awards process enhanced its credibility. Post-retirement, Adhia became Chairman of Bank of Baroda and an adviser to Gujarat’s government. 

Ajay Bhushan Pandey

A 1984-batch Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, Pandey served as Revenue Secretary (2018-20) and UIDAI CEO (2016-20). He scaled up Aadhaar’s reach, enabling the JAM trinity for schemes like PMJDY and Ayushman Bharat.

As Revenue Secretary, he supported GST implementation. Later, as Finance Secretary (2020–21), he managed economic policies during Covid-19. Currently posted as chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority, his tech-driven approach strengthened digital governance, enhancing service delivery for millions. 

Rajiv Mehrishi

A 1978-batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer, Mehrishi served as the Finance Secretary (2014-15) as well as the Home Secretary (2015-17), and was later appointed Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India (2017-20), a constitutional position.

He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022. His tenure supported Modi’s transparency agenda, increasing public trust in financial systems.