In a significant milestone, Ravneet Kaur has been appointed as the first full-time woman Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The post had been vacant since October last year, and Kaur’s appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Kaur, a 1988 Punjab cadre IAS officer, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has served in various positions within the Punjab government and has also worked at the Centre, including as Joint Secretary in the Department of Financial Services. Additionally, she served as the Chairman and Managing Director of the India Tourism Development Corporation.
Her appointment as Chairperson of the CCI is for a period of five years, starting from the date of assuming charge. Kaur will be responsible for leading the fair trade regulator and addressing various important cases related to the digital space, including those involving Google and Apple. Notably, the CCI recently initiated an inquiry against Google for alleged non-compliance with its previous order regarding Play Store policies.
Kaur takes over at a time when significant amendments have been made to the competition law to promote ease of doing business and deter unfair business practices. Her extensive experience in both the government and corporate sectors positions her well to navigate these complex issues.
The official order states that Kaur will receive a consolidated salary of Rs 4,50,000 per month, excluding housing and transportation benefits. This appointment marks a significant step towards gender diversity and inclusivity in top leadership positions within regulatory bodies.
As the fifth full-time Chairperson of the CCI, Kaur follows in the footsteps of distinguished predecessors, including Dhanendra Kumar, Ashok Chawla, D K Sikri, and Ashok Kumar Gupta. Her appointment represents a positive step towards gender equality and sets an example for other organizations to prioritize diversity in their leadership roles.
Ravneet Kaur’s appointment as the first full-time woman Chairperson of the CCI signifies a progressive change and sets a new precedent for women in leadership positions. With her experience and expertise, Kaur is poised to lead the CCI in addressing key regulatory challenges and shaping fair competition practices in India’s evolving business landscape.