Mr. Pant was earlier serving as Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo: X/@MoHFW_INDIA
Rajasthan Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant has been shifted to the center on deputation and posted as secretary in the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Mr Pant is likely to take charge in New Delhi on December 1.
Mr. Pant was appointed as the Chief Secretary on 31 December 2023 after the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state.
Mr. Pant is the second senior civil servant to be deputed to the Center midway through his tenure as Chief Secretary. Earlier, the then Chief Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi was transferred to New Delhi in 2014 during Vasundhar Raj’s tenure as Chief Minister.
Mr Pant’s sudden move to the Centre, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and coming just 14 months before his retirement, has sparked speculation in political and administrative circles in Jaipur.
The chief secretary’s sudden exit from the state is being seen as an example of the Center wielding influence over key bureaucratic appointments. Several IAS officers were now being considered for the top post based on their seniority and experience.
Mr. Pant was earlier serving as Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published – 12 Nov 2025 0:23 IST
