New Delhi: A key bureaucratic appointment at the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is garnering significant attention across government and corporate circles. The impending retirement of Vivek Ranjan (IRS C&IT: 1990), the incumbent Member (Tax Policy & Legal), scheduled for August 31, 2025, has set off a close contest for his successor.
Final Contenders: Chaturvedi vs Swaroop
According to reliable sources, the selection process has entered its final stages, with two senior officers from the same IRS batch emerging as frontrunners:
- Vivek Chaturvedi, currently serving as Director General of Vigilance (CBIC)
- Prachi Swaroop, presently the Principal Chief Commissioner in Mumbai
An interview was conducted on August 11 to assess the suitability of the shortlisted candidates. A formal announcement regarding the appointment is expected soon.
Chaturvedi Seen as a Strong Frontrunner
Sources close to the development reveal that IRS Chaturvedi holds an edge due to his clean service record, reputation for integrity, and what insiders describe as a “favourable ideological alignment” with the current leadership.
His tenure as DG Vigilance has been marked by an efficient crackdown on internal irregularities, which has further strengthened his credentials for elevation to the CBIC Board.
Swaroop May Be In Line for a Future Appointment
IRS Swaroop, though reportedly ranking lower on the seniority list, is also a strong contender, with a longer remaining tenure that could play to her advantage in the long run.
Sources suggest that IRS Swaroop may not be in a rush to take up the position immediately, and her appointment could be deferred until November, when more vacancies are expected to open up.
With three CBIC Board members – including the Chairman – set to retire later this year, it is plausible that IRS Swaroop could be accommodated in one of those upcoming vacancies.
Speculation on Dual Appointments
While only one vacancy has officially been announced at this time, buzz within the bureaucracy hints at the possibility of both IRS Chaturvedi and Swaroop being inducted into the CBIC Board, either concurrently or in a staggered manner.
This move, if confirmed, would not only pre-empt future retirements but also signal a strategic effort to maintain leadership continuity and balance within the tax policy and administration space.
What’s at Stake?
The role of a CBIC Member (Tax Policy & Legal) is a critical one, involving oversight of legal frameworks, policy formulation, and interpretation of indirect tax laws – especially important as India’s GST regime continues to evolve. The appointment will therefore be closely watched by stakeholders across the taxation, legal, and corporate sectors.
