New Delhi: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has approved the extension of Pramod Chandra Mody’s (PC Mody) tenure as Secretary-General of the Upper House till December 31, 2026. A notification issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Monday confirmed that the extension will continue on the existing terms and conditions until the end of the year or until further orders.
About the Extension
- Mr Mody, a retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, 1982 batch, was first appointed as Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha on November 12, 2021, on a contractual basis.
- His first extension came in August 2022, allowing him to serve until December 31, 2024.
- In December 2024, his tenure was extended again until December 31, 2025.
With the latest order, Mody will continue as the 13th Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha throughout 2026, marking a five-year tenure in the prestigious post.
About Pramod Chandra Mody
Birth and Education:
Born on September 1, 1959, in Mumbai.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, an LLB from Government Law College, Mumbai, and a Diploma in Journalism from KC College, Mumbai.
Trained in advanced management for tax officials at the Royal Institute of Public Administration (RIPA), London.
Career Highlights:
- Indian Revenue Service (1982 batch): Over 40 years of distinguished service in India’s civil services.
- Chairperson of CBDT: Served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) from February 2019 to May 2021, one of the longest tenures in the position.
- Technological Reforms: Introduced Faceless Assessment and Faceless Appeals schemes, significantly streamlining tax administration and reducing human intervention.
- Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha: Appointed in November 2021, he is the first IRS officer to hold this position, overseeing the functioning and administration of the Upper House.
Major Contributions:
- Cadre Management: Oversaw the entire IRS cadre as Member (Administration) of the CBDT.
- Investigations: Supervised the nationwide investigation wing of the Income Tax Department.
- Regional Leadership: Served as Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, playing a pivotal role in enhancing tax administration efficiency.
Significance of the Extension
PC Mody’s extended tenure ensures continuity in the administration of the Rajya Sabha, especially at a time when the Upper House is dealing with multiple legislative priorities. His experience in tax reforms and administrative leadership is considered a valuable asset for Parliament’s functioning.
