Sanjay Malhotra, The Next RBI Governor: On 11th December 2024, Sanjay Malhotra will formally assume leadership of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), welcoming its 26th Governor. Shaktikanta Das's six-year term, during which he effectively managed significant economic issues, comes to an end with his appointment.
The appointment of two career bureaucrats as RBI Governor in a row, according to market analysts, shows that the government is comfortable with having a bureaucrat rather than a technocrat in charge of the central bank. Sanjay Malhotra, a revenue secretary and another Finance Ministry insider, will take over as RBI Governor on Wednesday.Direct and Indirect Tax Policy Formulation:
Sanjay Malhotra has been instrumental in crafting policies concerning both direct and indirect taxes. His leadership has been vital in improving the efficiency of tax collection systems, thus thus enhancing revenue generation for the government.Goods and Services Tax (GST) Management:
As the ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council, he managed the intricacies of the GST framework, ensuring its successful implementation across states. This included reconciling fiscal expectations among various state governments while preserving the integrity of the GST system.Tax Collection Enhancement:
Under his direction, there has been a concentration on boosting tax collections, which are crucial for sustaining India’s fiscal health. This encompasses initiatives aimed at expanding expanding the tax base and enhancing compliance among taxpayers.Non-Tax Revenue Management:
Malhotra has supervised the administration of non-tax revenue streams, such as income from interest on loans, dividends from public sector undertakings (PSUs), and service fees. This all-encompassing oversight demonstrates his comprehension of the broader financial ecosystem and its role in government revenues.Financial Reforms:
Throughout his time as Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, he was key in executing various financial reforms aimed at reinforcing India’s banking sector. This included initiatives to refine banking regulations and bolster financial stability.Fiscal Policy Initiatives:
His background in fiscal policymaking has equipped him to tackle emerging economic challenges adeptly, particularly as he transitions to his role as RBI Governor during a phase characterized by economic uncertainty and pressure to modify interest rates.