5 things about new Economic Affairs Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday appointed Rajiv Mehrishi as economic affairs secretary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sent a minor ripple through bureaucratic circles when he replaced India’s Finance secretary Arvind Mayaram – who was an appointee of the previous UPA government – with Rajiv Mehrishi, who was earlier Rajasthan chief secretary.

Mehrishi has been instrumental in the Vasundhara Raje ministry in that state, helping push through key labour reforms in an attempt to attract industry, as well as an ambitious identity scheme for better delivery of public services and subsidies. Such measures by Raje’s government has been widely acclaimed and acquired the moniker of ‘Rajasthan Model’. Here are five things you should know about the new economic affairs secretary:- 

 

1. He holds Masters Degree in history and a degree in management from UK. He is a 1978-batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer of Rajasthan cadre. 

 

2. Before being appointed Rajasthan chief secretary on December 2013, he was secretary ministry of overseas affairs and special secretary in the union agricultural ministry. Mehrishi has served on many positions in the state government. He was joint secretary in the cabinet secretariat. 

 

3. Mehrishi is said to be the brains behind key labour reforms in Rajasthan. 

 

4. He has been a vocal critic of various schemes launched during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. 

 

5. He shares his birthday with tennis player Roger Federer (August 8), and was born in Rajasthan in 1955.