A New Era Dawns: Anuradha Thakur’s Appointment Signals Bold Change in Finance Ministry

In a historic moment for Indian bureaucracy, Anuradha Thakur—a stalwart leader with a calm and tireless work ethic—has been named as the first woman to lead the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), one of the country's most powerful economic policy roles. Thakur, 55-year-old Indian Administrative Service officer, will formally assume the role on June 30, replacing Ajay Seth. Until then, she will be Officer on Special Duty in the department.

 

Key Points:

 

Trailblazer: Thakur's appointment breaks a glass ceiling in a position earlier occupied by economic heavyweights like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

 

Proven Reformer: She was instrumental in the Air India disinvestment and injected fresh energy into regulatory enforcement in her previous stint at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), where she headed the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).

 

Innovative Impact: During her tenure at MCA, corporate fraud investigations sped up—114 cases were fined, 20 were compounded, and 9 entailed fines and incarceration between FY20 and FY24. She also corrected long-standing staff deficiencies at SFIO, lowering investigation pendency and increasing efficiency.

 

Respected by Colleagues: Peers characterize Thakur as diligent, unassuming, and extremely effective, with a talent for accomplishing things quietly but firmly.

 

Academic Excellence: Postgraduate in psychology, Thakur is also a holder of a development economics certificate from the London School of Economics—talents that will stand her in good stead as she navigates India's macroeconomic management and budget formulation.

 

Anuradha Thakur's ascendancy is proof of the efficacy of quiet, steady performance—reminding us that true change often occurs in the background, but should be acknowledged when it comes.

 

Source: The Financial Express