In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Punjab government has transferred 36 IAS and 7 PCS officers to key positions.
Krishan Kumar, previously Principal Secretary Taxation and recently awarded for outstanding tax collections, has been moved to the Finance Department. His transfer is linked to the upcoming retirement of Finance Secretary Ajoy Sinha, who will continue in his role until March 31 before transitioning to another department post the 2025-26 budget. Kumar will assist in budget preparation before officially taking charge on April 1.
Rahul Tiwari, who played a key role in generating over ₹5,000 crore from pending housing projects, has been reassigned from the Urban Development and Housing Department to Food and Civil Supplies as its Principal Secretary.
Jaspreet Talwar takes over as Additional Chief Secretary Planning with an additional charge as Finance Commissioner. Varinder Kumar Meena has been appointed Principal Secretary Social Security, Women Empowerment & Minority Affairs, while Vikas Garg now leads the Housing & Urban Development Department as its Principal Secretary.
Alaknanda Dayal is now Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training. Ajit Bala Joshi, returning from leave, has been appointed Administrative Secretary Rural Development & Panchayat.
Shruti Singh assumes the role of Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi, along with an additional charge of Technical Education & Industrial Training. Dilraj Singh Sandhwalia takes over as Administrative Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs, with an additional charge of Health & Family Welfare.
Abhinav Trikha has been posted as Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, with his additional charge of Planning withdrawn, while continuing as Director MGSIPA and Secretary Printing & Stationery. Anindita Mitra now leads Higher Education & Languages, with an additional charge of School Education. Mohd Tayyab has been assigned as Administrative Secretary, Horticulture, alongside Land and Water Conservation.
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Neelima takes over as CEO of PEDA, and Varinder Kumar Sharma has been appointed Secretary and Director, Food Supply, with an additional charge as Secretary, Punjab State Human Rights Commission. Gauri Parashar Joshi assumes the role of Secretary, General Administration, with an additional charge as CEO, State Health Agency.
Babita has been appointed Commissioner, Agriculture, while Surabhi Malik now leads Industries & Commerce as Director, with additional responsibilities as MD, PSIEC, and PSIDC.
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