Moses Chalai poised for first NE officer to head finance ministry
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 09 2025: K Moses Chalai, a 1990-batch IAS officer of Manipur cadre, is set to become the next secretary of finance ministry, according to highly placed government sources.

A formal announcement on his appointment is expected soon.

Moses Chalai, who currently serves as secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), assumed charge on April 22, 2025 .

Following the retirement of Ajay Seth on June 30, he has emerged as the leading contender for the post by virtue of seniority.

By convention, the senior-most secretary among the six departments under the Ministry of Finance is appointed as the finance secretary.

The departments are Revenue, Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Financial Services, Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and Public Enterprises.

Moses Chalai's seniority positions him as the frontrunner, and if appointed, he will be tasked with coordinating inter-departmental fiscal policy, guiding economic reforms and leading budgetary and strategic financial decisions for the government.

His likely elevation will mark a historic first, making him the first IAS officer from the Northeast to be appointed as finance secretary.

His selection is expected to bring greater regional representation and strengthen the Centre's outreach to the region.

A native of Manipur, Moses Chalai has held notable stints in both the central and state governments, with a focus on public sector reform, governance and policy planning.

If appointed, he will serve until retirement in January 2028, providing stability to the ministry at a time when India is navigating complex global economic conditions, fiscal consolidation efforts and an ambitious reform agenda.

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