T.S.R. Subramanian, who served as cabinet secretary from August 1996 to March 1998, died on Monday.
A noted author, Subramanian was also a familiar face in TV news channel discussions on issues involving the bureaucracy and governance.
He died after a prolonged illness. His cremation is expected to take place on Monday evening in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers expressed condolences over his death.
Subramanian was an IAS officer of the 1961 batch and was posted to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. His postings include being secretary in the ministry of textiles. He headed several government committees including on education and environment.
In 2013, Subramanian had petitioned the Supreme Court jointly with other bureaucrats, seeking reforms to the civil services to protect their independence.
(With agency inputs)