Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau/File Photo
Punjab IAS officer Ravneet Kaur appointed as new Chairperson, Competition Commission of India
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, May 16, 2023: The Government of India has appointed Ravneet Kaur, 1988-batch Punjab cadre IAS officer as the new chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Her appointment will be for five years from the date she assumes charge or till the date of attaining the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Sangeeta Verma has been serving as the acting Chairperson of CCI.
Presently, Ravneet Kaur is the Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner at the Department of Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management in Chandigarh.
It is to be noted that CCI Chairperson post has been lying vacant since the previous office-holder Ashok Kumar Gupta retired in October last year.
Punjab IAS officer have served in government in various positions. From 2006-2008, she was the Director of the Department of Economic Affairs.
From 2008 to 2011, she was the Joint Secretary of the Department of Financial Services.
Kaur has served as the Principal Secretary of the Punjab government for 11 months from 2012 to 2013. She also held the position of Principal Secretary, Cabinet, Coordination, and Parliamentary Affairs for the Punjab government for a little over 1 year from 2014 to 2015.
In 2015, Kaur was appointed as the Joint Secretary Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, where she was responsible for industrial licensing for defense, aerospace, and explosives sectors among a list of other responsibilities.
1988-batch IAS officer was appointed the Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of the India Tourism Development Corporation in 2017, where she served till 2019.
In 2019, Ravneet Kaur was appointed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Punjab government and was also given the charge of Additional Chief Secretary & Financial Commissioner at the Department of Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002.It has been established by the Central Government with effect from 14th October 2003.Its primary objective is to promote and sustain fair competition in the market for the benefit of consumers and the overall economy of India.
Know about Competition Commission of India:
Here are some key points about the Competition Commission of India:
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Role and Responsibilities: The CCI is responsible for enforcing competition laws, preventing anti-competitive practices, and promoting competition in various sectors of the Indian economy. It aims to ensure fair market competition, protect the interests of consumers, and maintain a level playing field for businesses.
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Structure and Composition: The Commission consists of a Chairperson and six Members appointed by the Central Government. The Chairperson is usually a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, and the Members have expertise in the fields of economics, law, and business.
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Functions: The CCI performs various functions to achieve its objectives. These include investigating cases of anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant market positions, and combinations (mergers and acquisitions) that may have an adverse impact on competition. It also reviews competition-related laws and regulations and provides recommendations to the government on policy matters.
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Powers: The Commission has powers to conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, call for information and documents, pass orders, and impose penalties on entities found guilty of anti-competitive practices. It has the authority to regulate mergers and acquisitions that may have an appreciable adverse effect on competition.
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Advocacy and Awareness: The CCI engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about competition laws and promote a competitive culture in India. It conducts workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders, including businesses, government bodies, and consumers, about the benefits of competition and the consequences of anti-competitive practices.
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International Cooperation: The CCI collaborates with competition authorities from other countries to promote international cooperation and exchange of information. It actively participates in international forums and organizations working towards the development of competition policy and law.
The Competition Commission of India plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and competitive markets in India. It strives to create an environment that encourages innovation, efficiency, and consumer welfare while deterring anti-competitive behavior.