The Government of India has issued a detailed administrative order announcing a major senior-level appointment. As per the approval granted by the Competent Authority, Mr Sudhansh Pant, IAS officer of the 1991 batch from the Rajasthan cadre, has been selected to serve as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
Mr Pant is presently posted in his parent cadre of Rajasthan, and this appointment elevates him to the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India, underscoring the seniority and significance of the position. His appointment as OSD is a preparatory arrangement designed to facilitate a smooth transition into a full-fledged secretary-level role.
He has been designated to take over as the Secretary of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. This transition will occur upon the retirement of the current Secretary, Mr Amit Yadav, IAS officer of the 1991 AGMUT cadre, who is scheduled to superannuate on 30 November 2025.
Until the date he formally assumes charge as the new Secretary of the department, Mr Pant will continue working in the Cabinet Secretariat as OSD, allowing him adequate time to be briefed, acclimatize to central-level responsibilities, and prepare for leadership of a ministry focused on welfare, inclusion, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
The order reflects the government’s structured approach to succession planning at the top administrative level, ensuring that key ministries experience seamless handovers without interruption to policy implementation or ongoing welfare initiatives.
