New Delhi: The Central Government has appointed Sudhansh Pant (IAS: 1991, Rajasthan cadre) as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Cabinet Secretariat, until he formally assumes charge as Secretary of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment on December 1, 2025.
The appointment was approved by the competent authority and issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday.
Details of the Appointment
Pant has been posted as OSD with the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. This temporary assignment is intended to bridge the period between his recall from Rajasthan, where he served as Chief Secretary, and his official assumption of the Secretary-level role in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
He will succeed Amit Yadav (IAS: 1991, AGMUT cadre), who is set to retire on November 30, 2025. Pant’s OSD posting ensures a smooth transition and continuity in the ministry’s administrative leadership.
Recall from Rajasthan
On November 10, 2025, the Central Government had recalled Pant from his position as Rajasthan Chief Secretary for central deputation. He was simultaneously appointed as the future Secretary of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, effective December 1, 2025.
Pant’s return to the central administration follows a distinguished career spanning key roles both at the state and central levels, including Secretary positions in the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare prior to his tenure in Rajasthan.
Implications for Governance
This posting highlights the government’s emphasis on continuity and experienced leadership in critical ministries. Pant’s experience in both state administration and central ministries is expected to contribute to effective governance and smooth implementation of social justice initiatives at the national level.
