Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council chairman C Rangarajan's office is the new nerve centre of economic policy

NEW DELHI: Tucked away in the heart of the capital, unaffected by the usually noisy Vigyan Bhavan, is a quiet, small four-roomed office. But, even a quieter occupant of this office has his hand in some of the key decisions of the UPA government.

The office of C Rangarajan, former RBI governor and chairman of Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council is now the new nerve centre of economic policy making, after Singh took control of the finance ministry.

It's no surprise his office is getting visits from some high-profile industry honchos and top policymakers. Foreign minister of Mauritius Arvin Boolell met Rangarajan on Friday, hoping to address India's concern over the tax treaty between the two countries.

Mild-mannered Rangarajan, who is not known to mince words when it comes to economic policy, is someone Singh relies on for inputs on key macro-economic issues.

On Monday, Rangarajan will play host to all leading industry chambers-CII, Assocham, South Indian Chambers of Commerce-to understand their concerns and brainstorm measures that the government can take to improve the investment climate.

On Tuesday, he will meet representatives from insurance, mutual fund and infrastructure finance companies. The list of visitors could get longer as Rangarajan examines wide-ranging issues.

His mandate extends from food security law, definition of poverty line, issues plaguing sugar sector, fiscal consolidation roadmap unveiled in budget to steps needed for financial sector to rupee depreciation.