On April 2, 2025 RBI appointed Dr Poonam Gupta as the new RBI Deputy Governor (DG) for three years from the date of joining. She is the first woman to hold this position in 14 years. She will take over the charge after Michael Patra, who retired in January 2025. RBI has total of four Deputy Governor (DG). The other three Deputy Governor are M. Rajeshwar Rao, T. Ravi Shankar, and Swaminathan J. She is considered as one of the best economist in India and globally.
Educational Qualifications of Dr Poonam Gupta :
– She did Bachelor’s in economics from Hindu College, Delhi University in 1989.
– She Completed Master’s in Economics from the Delhi School Of Economics in 1991.
– Another Master’s degree from the University of Maryland, USA in 1995.
– PhD in International Economics from the University of Maryland, USA in 1998.
Dr Poonam Gupta Professional Experience
– She has worked for over 20 years in economic research and policy. Currently she is the Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), India’s top economic think tank since 2021.
– Currently she ia also a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and the
Advisory Council of the 16th Finance Commission.
– She has nearly 20 years of experience with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
– She has also worked as RBI Chair Professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and
Policy(NIPFP).
Role in RBI as Deputy Governor
It is assumed that she will work with Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members as the appointment is done just before the Monetary Policy review meeting is scheduled from April 7 to April 9.
It is expected that RBI may lower the policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. Poonam Gupta may play a important role to decide the interest rate. She will also look after financial market operations and economic research.
Former MPC member Shashanka Bhide said that Dr Poonam Gupta is a well qualified economist. She has written paper on different subjects including policy. He believe that she can provide expert leadership in her new profile.
