Born: 1 September 1959, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Batch & Service: 1982 batch, Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Current Position: Secretary General, Rajya Sabha (since 12 November 2021)
🎓 Education
Pramod Chandra Mody graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Government Law College, Mumbai, and also earned a Diploma in Journalism from K. C. College, Mumbai.
🏛️ Career Overview
Indian Revenue Service & CBDT
Mody joined the Indian Revenue Service in 1982 and served in various capacities within the Income Tax Department over a career spanning nearly four decades. He held several key posts across India and was known for his expertise in tax policy and administration.
His most prominent role within the IRS was as Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the apex body of the Income Tax Department. He served in this position from February 2019 until his retirement in May 2021, making his tenure one of the longest in recent years. Under his leadership, the CBDT undertook several significant reforms, including the introduction of the Faceless Assessment and Faceless Appeals schemes, aimed at increasing transparency and reducing human interface in the tax system.
📌 Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha
On 12 November 2021, Pramod Chandra Mody was appointed as Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha. He became the first officer from the Indian Revenue Service to hold the post in either house of Parliament — a role traditionally reserved for senior civil servants from the Indian Administrative Service or officers from within the parliamentary secretariat.
As Secretary General, he holds the rank and status equivalent to the Cabinet Secretary. His responsibilities include advising the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Vice-President of India), overseeing the administrative and procedural functions of the Secretariat, managing legislative processes, and coordinating between various parliamentary and governmental institutions. His term is co-terminus with that of the Chairman who appointed him.
📝 Legacy and Recognition
Pramod Chandra Mody is widely respected for his administrative acumen and reform-oriented leadership. His transition from revenue administration to parliamentary management highlights his versatility and deep understanding of governance. As Secretary General, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha, bringing a technocratic and non-partisan approach to one of the most significant constitutional offices in India.