New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India Governor, Shaktikanta Das has been awarded the title 'Governor of the Year' for 2023 by Central Banking, an international economic research journal.

Das was commended by the publication for his unwavering leadership during difficult periods, such as the failure of a significant non-banking company, the COVID-19 pandemic's initial and second waves, and the inflationary effects caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This is the second time an Indian central bank chief has won this honor; Raghuram Rajan did so in 2015.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "Congratulations to him". The first Indian to be awarded the title was former governor Raghuram Rajan in 2015.

“It is a matter of immense pride for our country that the RBI Governor, Shaktikanta Das Ji has been conferred with the ‘Governor of the year’ Award in the Central Banking Awards 2023", PM Modi tweeted. Das's leadership at RBI was instrumental in implementing crucial reforms, innovative payment systems, and growth-oriented measures during the pandemic. He skillfully navigated between political pressures and economic crises, earning praise for his efforts.

Das ensured that most of the RBI's COVID-19 interventions had a "sunset clause" and provided targeted liquidity to vital sectors, foreign exchange, and state governments with more favourable overdraft facilities.

Given Das's leadership during a time of crisis and his significant contributions to India's economic reforms, he was deemed a deserving recipient of the coveted Governor of the Year award.

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