The government has appointed Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He will succeed Madhabi Puri Buch, whose term is ending this month. Buch took over as SEBI Chairperson on March 2 and was the first woman to serve in that role.
Who is Tuhin Kanta Pandey?
Tuhin Kanta Pandey, an IAS officer from the 1987 Odisha cadre, was recently appointed as the new Revenue Secretary starting from the Central Budget 2025 following a reshuffle. Prior to becoming Revenue Secretary, Pandey was the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). He played a significant role in the government's disinvestment process and made key decisions regarding the privatization of public companies.
Positions Previously Held by Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Tuhin Kanta Pandey has played a vital role in shaping India's economic policies, disinvestment efforts, and public sector management. His experience in handling government finance and investments makes him a robust choice for SEBI's Chairman. Pandey has held key positions in recent years.
Worked on Budget 2025-26: Pandey was one of the principal architects of the Central Budget, which provided a tax relief of ₹1 trillion to the middle class.
New Income Tax Bill: He contributed to drafting a new income tax bill intended to replace the 1961 Income Tax Act.
Pandey is among the longest-serving secretaries at DIPAM, responsible for managing the government's stake in public sector enterprises.
Privatization of Air India: He played a crucial role in selling Air India to the Tata Group, one of the government's largest disinvestment endeavors.
Privatization of IDBI Bank: He oversaw the privatization process of IDBI Bank, which is ongoing as bidders conduct their due diligence.
What Does Tuhin Kanta Say?
With the approval as SEBI's new Chairman, Tuhin Kanta Pandey remarked, "I received the order yesterday, and the government has entrusted me with this responsibility. I will join soon. Currently, I have no comments regarding the market stability."
Educational Background
Tuhin Kanta Pandey completed his post-graduate degree in Economics from Punjab University and holds an MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK. He has worked with both state and central governments, handling responsibilities across various departments. Additionally, he has served as the District Collector of Sambalpur, Odisha, and held roles in the Ministry of Commerce as Deputy Secretary, along with health, transport, and commercial tax sectors.
What Will Be His Salary?
The appointment of Tuhin Kanta Pandey as SEBI's new Chairman has been approved by the Cabinet. He will remain in the position for three years or until further orders. The SEBI Chairman's salary is equivalent to that of a government secretary. Alternatively, the SEBI Chairman may opt for a fixed monthly salary of ₹5,62,500, without the provision of a government vehicle or housing facility.
What Does SEBI Do?
SEBI, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, acts as the regulator of the Indian stock and capital markets. It protects investors' interests by periodically amending rules while overseeing capital and stock markets to address irregularities. Its primary task is to prevent fraud and maintain transparency.
