New Delhi (20.08.2025): A key appointment at the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is drawing attention in New Delhi's bureaucratic and corporate circles. The government is poised to select a new Member for the board, a post that will fall vacant upon the retirement of Vivek Ranjan (IRS C&IT: 1990), the incumbent Member (Tax Policy & Legal), on August 31, 2025.
Sources indicate that the selection process has narrowed down to a close contest between two senior officers from the same batch: Vivek Chaturvedi and Prachi Swaroop. An interview to vet potential candidates was held on August 11, and a formal announcement is expected shortly.
According to top insiders, Vivek Chaturvedi, currently serving as the Director General of Vigilance (CBIC), is a strong contender. His candidacy is bolstered by a competent and clean service record, alongside what is described as a favourable ideological alignment.
His batchmate, Prachi Swaroop (Principal Chief Commissioner, Mumbai), is also in serious contention, though she ranks below Chaturvedi on the seniority list. Sources indicate that with a longer service tenure ahead of her, Swaroop may not be in a hurry to take up the role immediately, with a potential appointment more likely to materialize towards November.
Intriguingly, although only one vacancy was officially announced, there is speculation within bureaucratic circles that both officers could eventually be appointed to the Board. It remains unclear, however, whether both appointments will be made concurrently or if the decision on a second position will be delayed until later this year, when three more Board members, including the Chairman, are set to retire.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
