In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Punjab Government has issued fresh transfer orders affecting nine IAS and PCS officers across various departments and districts. The decision, taken on administrative grounds, is aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring the effective functioning of public administration. The changes take immediate effect as per the official notification released on Thursday.
Aravind Kumar M.K., IAS (2011 batch), has been posted as Director, Treasury & Accounts. In addition, he has been entrusted with the additional responsibilities of Special Secretary, School Education, and Director General, School Education, replacing Girish Dayalan, IAS. This move places Aravind Kumar in a pivotal position overseeing both the financial and educational wings of the state.
Girish Dayalan, IAS (2011), has now been appointed as Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab, relieving Vimal Kumar Setia, IAS. Dayalan’s transfer aligns with his past administrative experience and is expected to bolster reforms in the cooperative sector.
Harpreet Singh Sudan, IAS (2013), has been given the charge of Director, Sports & Youth Services, and Director, Higher Education as an additional responsibility. He takes over the higher education portfolio from Girish Dayalan, marking a reshuffle in the leadership of the state’s academic and sports governance.
Among PCS officers, Rakesh Kumar Popli (2012 batch) will continue as Additional Chief Administrator (H.Q.), PUDA, and has also been assigned additional duties as Additional Chief Administrator, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), SAS Nagar. His extended role will provide continuity in urban infrastructure and planning across two critical development authorities.
Amit Sareen, PCS (2012), has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Defence Services Welfare, and Secretary, Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board. He replaces Kiran Sharma, PCS, and is expected to contribute to the transparent functioning of public recruitment and defence welfare services.
Ankur Mahindroo, PCS (2016), will assume charge as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mukerian, replacing Kanwaljit Singh, PCS, who previously held this position on an additional charge. Mahindroo’s appointment is seen as part of the government’s effort to strengthen sub-divisional administration.
Vikas Hira, PCS (2016), will retain his post as Additional Chief Administrator (Policy), PUDA, and has also been entrusted with the additional role of Additional Chief Administrator, Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority. The dual responsibilities indicate trust in his administrative acumen in managing urban development policies.
Harjot Kaur, PCS (2022), has been appointed as SDM, Patiala, replacing Gurdev Singh Dham, PCS, who has now been posted as Chief Minister’s Field Officer, Ferozepur, and given additional charge as Assistant Commissioner (General), Ferozepur. These changes are indicative of targeted administrative placements to enhance field-level governance.
The state government’s move comes amid efforts to boost administrative efficiency and optimise the deployment of officers based on departmental needs and performance. Such reshuffles are viewed as routine yet essential tools to ensure dynamic and responsive governance at both the field and departmental levels.