In a significant development, the government has announced the appointment of Ravneet Kaur as the Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The decision comes after a prolonged period without a full-time Chairperson since October 2022, when Ashok Kumar Gupta demitted office.
Ravneet Kaur, a distinguished 1988 Punjab cadre IAS officer, will assume the role for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge or until she reaches the age of 65, or until further orders, whichever comes first. The official order, released on May 15, 2023, highlighted the government's confidence in Kaur's abilities to lead the competition regulator.
During the interim period, CCI Member Sangeeta Verma had been serving as the acting Chairperson, ensuring continuity in the commission's operations. However, the appointment of Ravneet Kaur brings stability and long-term vision to the helm of the organization.
As the newly appointed Chairperson, Ravneet Kaur will be responsible for overseeing and regulating competition-related matters in India. Her extensive experience in the Punjab cadre, coupled with her strong background in the Indian Administrative Service, positions her well to address the challenges and complexities of competition in the Indian market.
One of the key priorities for Ravneet Kaur will be to foster a fair and competitive business environment in India, ensuring that businesses operate within the boundaries of healthy competition. Her leadership is expected to steer the CCI towards achieving its mandate of preventing anti-competitive practices, promoting market competition, and safeguarding the interests of consumers.
In addition to her responsibilities, Ravneet Kaur will receive a consolidated salary of Rs 4,50,000 per month. However, it is worth noting that the position does not include housing and car facilities.