Rajasthan Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant Appointed as Union Secretary for Social Justice & Empowerment
In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Government of India has appointed Sudhansh Pant, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre and the current Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, as the Union Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Pant will take charge from Amit Yadav (IAS: AGMUT: 1991), who is scheduled to retire on November 30, 2025, after a long and distinguished career in public service. This transition marks Pant’s return to the Central Government at the apex level, where he will now oversee one of India’s most socially critical ministries, responsible for promoting welfare schemes for marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
From Rajasthan’s Top Bureaucrat to Delhi’s Policy Helm
Pant’s appointment comes nearly two years after he was chosen as Chief Secretary of Rajasthan on December 31, 2023, following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral victory in the state. At that time, the Centre had handpicked him for the top post in recognition of his administrative efficiency and reform-oriented leadership style. He succeeded Usha Sharma (IAS: 1985: RJ), who had completed her tenure as Chief Secretary.
Before taking over as Rajasthan’s top bureaucrat, Pant served as Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, where he played a key role in strengthening India’s public health architecture. His tenure at the Health Ministry was marked by a focus on policy reform, inter-ministerial coordination, and capacity building within the national healthcare system.
A Career Marked by Leadership Across Key Ministries
Over the course of his career, Sudhansh Pant has earned a reputation as a result-oriented administrator known for his balanced decision-making and integrity. His leadership journey includes crucial assignments at both the state and central levels, spanning diverse sectors such as shipping, health, and social welfare.
He previously served as Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, where he contributed to maritime policy modernization, infrastructure expansion under the Sagarmala project, and improved port connectivity. His subsequent posting as Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, further solidified his credentials as a capable policymaker capable of handling complex governance challenges.
Pant’s selection for the Chief Secretary post in Rajasthan in 2023, surpassing six senior officers of his cadre, reflected the confidence both the state leadership and the Centre had in his administrative vision and track record.
New Role and Responsibilities
As the new Union Secretary for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pant will lead initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity, social equity, and empowerment across vulnerable sections of society. His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening flagship programs, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, and ensuring efficient delivery of welfare benefits.
This appointment not only highlights Pant’s steady rise within India’s administrative hierarchy but also reflects the Centre’s strategy of deploying experienced and reform-minded officers in roles that directly impact social policy and governance outcomes.
With his diverse experience spanning health, infrastructure, and governance, Sudhansh Pant is poised to bring a multidimensional perspective to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as he steps into his new role in New Delhi.
