K Moses Chalai (IAS:1990:MN), Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), is tipped to be appointed as India’s next Finance Secretary, with a formal announcement expected soon.
By convention, the senior-most secretary in the Union Finance Ministry is chosen for the top administrative post. Chalai, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Manipur cadre, currently holds that seniority, making him the leading contender to fill the vacancy created after Ajay Seth (IAS:1987:KN) retired on June 30, 2025.
Chalai assumed charge as DPE Secretary on April 22, 2025. The Finance Ministry comprises six departments — Revenue, Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Financial Services, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and Public Enterprises.
The Finance Secretary serves as the administrative head of the ministry, coordinating inter-departmental policy, overseeing fiscal implementation, and guiding the government’s broader economic strategy.
If appointed, Chalai will make history as the first bureaucrat from the Northeast to hold this crucial position, potentially serving until his scheduled retirement in January 2028. His appointment is also expected to strengthen the Centre’s engagement with the region.
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