In India’s vast bureaucratic machinery, few positions carry the influence and proximity to power that the role of an Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister does. This elite position isn’t just about salary — it’s about responsibility, power, and access to India’s top decision-making corridors. But for most citizens, the burning question remains: What exactly does PM Modi’s Additional Secretary earn?
Let’s uncover the real numbers, benefits, and the deeper implications of the salary structure attached to this powerful post.
Who is an Additional Secretary in PMO?
Before we jump into the money, it’s essential to understand the position itself. The Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is a senior bureaucrat, usually from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) cadre, who has spent over two decades in various high-level roles.
This role is not just administrative — it’s deeply strategic. Additional Secretaries in the PMO work closely with the Prime Minister and top ministers, helping frame and implement national-level policies, monitoring critical programs, and often acting as liaisons between ministries and the PMO.
Given the nature of the role, this isn’t your average government desk job — the responsibility is enormous, and the compensation reflects that to some extent.
Breaking Down the Salary: Here’s What PMO’s Additional Secretary Earns
As of the latest 7th Pay Commission revisions, salaries for Indian bureaucrats at the Additional Secretary level fall under the Level 15 Pay Matrix.
Let’s decode what that really means in numbers:
- Basic Pay: ₹1,82,200 per month
- Dearness Allowance (DA): ₹67,214 approx (DA is currently around 36.5%)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): ₹43,728 (assuming 24% HRA in metro cities)
- Transport Allowance + DA on TA: ₹15,750 approx
- Other Allowances: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (includes mobile bills, newspapers, etc.)
🔹 Total Monthly Gross Salary: ₹3,14,892 approx
🔹 Annual Gross Salary: ₹37.7 lakhs approx
Yes, that’s right — over ₹3 lakh per month. But that’s just the beginning.
Additional Perks and Hidden Benefits
What makes the post of PM Modi’s Additional Secretary even more lucrative is not just the salary. It’s the perks and privileges that come with being in the Prime Minister’s trusted circle.
1. Government Bungalow or Official Accommodation
Located in Lutyens’ Delhi, some of the most expensive real estate in the country, these government accommodations are provided rent-free. Comparable private properties in this area could easily cost lakhs per month in rent.
2. Staff and Support
From peons to personal assistants, the Additional Secretary receives full staff support. Drivers, clerks, security, and even household help are often part of the package.
3. Official Car with Beacon and Chauffeur
A luxury sedan — typically a Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, or similar — is provided for official use, complete with a driver and fuel allowance.
4. Medical Facilities
Not only does the officer get free medical care at top government hospitals, but this extends to family members as well. Premium private care is also sometimes reimbursed.
5. Travel Benefits
First-class air travel for official duties, with full TA/DA reimbursements, and VIP treatment at airports.
6. Lifetime Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
After retirement, these officers enjoy handsome pensions, lifetime healthcare, and often find roles as advisors to governments, think tanks, or even in international organizations like the UN or World Bank.
The Value of Power: Beyond the Salary Figures
While ₹3 lakh per month and a string of luxurious perks seem impressive, the real power of this position lies elsewhere.
An Additional Secretary in the PMO can influence policy at the highest levels. They often attend high-stakes strategy meetings, draft confidential briefs for the PM, and are part of decision-making on topics ranging from national security to economic reforms.
Many who’ve held this position have gone on to become Cabinet Secretaries, Election Commissioners, or Governors — roles that continue their hold over the country’s administrative and political future.
Why the Salary Still Doesn’t Match Corporate Standards
One might wonder — why does such an important post earn “only” ₹3 lakh a month when corporate CEOs in India earn crores?
That’s a valid question, and the answer lies in the ethos of public service.
The Indian bureaucracy, especially the elite IAS, is structured around prestige, power, and service, not profit. Many officers could easily earn 10x in the private sector, but they choose to remain in public life for the impact they can make.
Plus, when the perks, lifetime benefits, and soft power are taken into account, the total value of being an Additional Secretary in the PMO is far higher than what the salary slip shows.
Not All Officers Reach This Level
It’s worth noting that only a select few officers make it to the PMO as Additional Secretary. Out of thousands of officers in the IAS and other services, only a handful are chosen based on:
- Exceptional service record
- Strategic expertise (especially in foreign affairs, economics, or defense)
- Trust and alignment with the vision of the current Prime Minister
In PM Modi’s administration, loyalty, discretion, and alignment with national priorities are key factors.
Real-Life Example: Officer X (Name Withheld)
While government transparency has increased, many names and exact salary details are kept confidential for security reasons, especially in the PMO. However, we can cite the general example of an IFS officer promoted to Additional Secretary in the PMO in 2023. Their salary and benefits matched the Level 15 matrix mentioned above, with the addition of international travel allowances due to diplomatic assignments.
Their career trajectory saw them moving from an embassy posting in Washington DC to directly briefing the PM on global strategic affairs — proof that this post isn’t just about numbers, but national influence.
Final Word on This Elite Post
The role of Additional Secretary to PM Modi isn’t just another government job — it’s a position of immense responsibility, national importance, and unmatched access. While the salary is certainly “shocking” to many because of its high value compared to average government jobs, it is also justified by the workload, confidentiality, and scope of work involved.
So the next time someone wonders what a top bureaucrat earns while serving the nation at the very top — you’ll know, it’s not just about rupees, but about responsibility and reach.
