The Ultimate List of RBI Governors: From Past to Present

The Ultimate List of RBI Governors:

Past to Present

Osborne Smith

1935 - 1937

Background:

Sir Osborne Smith was the first Governor of the RBI and was instrumental in laying the foundation of the institution.

Key Contributions:

Focused on establishing the credibility of the new central bank, but had differences with the British government over policy issues.

James Braid Taylor

1937- 1943

Background:

A seasoned economist, Sir James Braid Taylor had earlier served as Deputy Governor.

Key Contributions:

Managed the monetary system during the challenging period of World War II.

C.D. Deshmukh

1943 - 1949

Background:

The first Indian to be appointed as the Governor of the RBI.

Key Contributions:

Played a pivotal role in the nationalization of the RBI in 1949 and the transition to an independent India.

Benegal Rama Rau

1949 - 1957

Background:

A diplomat by training, Sir Benegal Rama Rau was appointed in the early years of India's independence.

Key Contributions:

Worked towards stabilizing the economy in the post-independence period.

K.G. Ambegaonkar

1957 - 1957

Background:

Served as Finance Secretary before his brief tenure as RBI Governor.

Key Contributions:

Stepped in as an interim Governor.

H.V.R. Iyengar

1957 - 1962

Background:

A civil servant with significant experience in finance.

Key Contributions:

Introduced measures to improve the banking system and initiated steps towards financial inclusion.

P.C. Bhattacharya

1962 - 1967

Background:

A seasoned administrator, P.C. Bhattacharya played a crucial role during his tenure.

Key Contributions:

Focused on developing India's industrial sector through financial regulation.

L.K. Jha

1967 - 1970

Background:

An economist and diplomat, L.K. Jha's tenure coincided with significant changes in the global economy.

Key Contributions:

Worked on strengthening India's foreign exchange reserves and initiated several reforms.

B.N. Adarkar

1970 - 1970

Background:

An economist and civil servant, his tenure was short but significant.

Key Contributions:

Played a role in the introduction of the decimal currency system in India.

S. Jagannathan

1970 - 1975

Background:

A civil servant with extensive experience in the finance sector.

Key Contributions:

Guided the RBI during the 1971 war and the oil crisis of 1973.

N.C. Sen Gupta

1975 - 1975

Background:

A senior civil servant who briefly held the position of Governor.

Key Contributions:

Managed the bank during a politically volatile period.

K.R. Puri

1975 - 1977

Background:

Prior to his appointment, K.R. Puri was the Chairman of the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

Key Contributions:

Focused on the banking sector reforms and financial inclusion.

M. Narasimham

1977 - 1977

Background:

A noted economist who later led major banking sector reforms in India.

Key Contributions:

Introduced several policy changes aimed at improving the efficiency of the banking sector.

Dr. I.G. Patel

1977 - 1982

Background:

An economist with international experience, Dr. Patel played a key role during India's economic challenges.

Key Contributions:

Managed the economy during a period of high inflation and introduced measures to control it.

Dr. Manmohan Singh

1982 - 1985

Background:

An economist who later became the Prime Minister of India.

Key Contributions:

Laid the groundwork for economic liberalization in the 1990s.

Amitav Ghosh

1985 - 1985

Background:

A brief tenure marked by transitional leadership.

Key Contributions:

Focused on maintaining stability in the banking sector.

R.N. Malhotra

1985 - 1990

Background:

A senior civil servant who held several key positions before becoming the Governor.

Key Contributions:

Managed the RBI during a period of significant economic change, leading up to the economic reforms of 1991.

S. Venkitaramanan

1990 - 1992

Background:

An experienced administrator, his tenure coincided with India's balance of payments crisis.

Key Contributions:

Played a crucial role in managing the crisis and initiating the economic reforms of 1991.

Dr. C. Rangarajan

1992 - 1997

Background:

An economist and central banker, Dr. Rangarajan's tenure was marked by significant financial reforms.

Key Contributions:

Introduced several measures to modernize the banking sector and improve financial stability.

Dr. Bimal Jalan

1997 - 2003

Background:

An economist and former finance secretary, Dr. Jalan's tenure was marked by economic stability.

Key Contributions:

Focused on managing inflation and maintaining a stable currency.

Dr. Y.V. Reddy

2003 - 2008

Background:

A seasoned civil servant, Dr. Reddy's tenure was marked by prudence and stability.

Key Contributions:

Implemented measures to insulate India from the global financial crisis of 2008.

Dr. D. Subbarao

2008 - 2013

Background:

An economist and bureaucrat, Dr. Subbarao took charge during the global financial crisis.

Key Contributions:

Played a key role in navigating the Indian economy through the global financial turmoil.

Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan

2013 - 2016

Background:

An economist of international repute, Dr. Rajan's tenure was marked by significant reforms.

Key Contributions:

Introduced the inflation-targeting framework and focused on cleaning up the banking sector.

Dr. Urjit Patel

2016 - 2018

Background:

An economist and central banker, Dr. Patel's tenure was noted for its focus on inflation targeting.

Key Contributions:

Led the RBI during the implementation of demonetization and introduced measures to strengthen the banking system.

Shaktikanta Das

2018 - Till Date

Background:

A seasoned bureaucrat with experience in economic affairs, Mr. Das has overseen the RBI during challenging times.