Chandigarh: In light of the escalating security situation along the India-Pakistan border, the Punjab government has initiated a comprehensive crisis response plan to ensure uninterrupted essential services and public safety across the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, reaffirming his commitment to the people, has directed the establishment of a State Control Room and the deployment of senior officers in all districts.
The decision was announced by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, an IAS officer of 1992 batch, after a high-level review meeting with all administrative secretaries, DGP, Deputy Commissioners, Police Commissioners, and SSPs on Friday.
Senior IAS Officers Assigned to All Districts
To ensure smooth coordination and monitoring at the district level, the government has deputed a senior IAS officer in each of the 23 districts. These officers will oversee critical sectors including healthcare, food and civil supplies, electricity, water, roads, transport, and education, while also ensuring effective civil-military coordination in their respective areas.
“All officers have been instructed to cancel their leave and remain present at their assigned stations to lead district-level operations,” said Chief Secretary Sinha.
24/7 State Control Room Operational
The newly established State Control Room is being staffed by 15 IAS and PCS officers on a rotational basis, along with nodal officers from every key department. The Home Department has been designated as the nodal agency and will coordinate with the Union Government in case of any emergency.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department has also been directed to monitor the availability of essential commodities and take strict legal action against hoarders, ensuring no artificial shortages arise.
Immediate Funding and Resource Mobilization
District-level needs were assessed during the meeting, and the Finance Commissioner (Revenue) has been instructed to release advance funds immediately based on local demands. The move is aimed at maintaining uninterrupted services and quick response capability during any exigency.
Deputed IAS Officers by District
Some of the key officer assignments include:
- DK Tiwari (Moga), Tejveer Singh (Sangrur), Jaspreet Talwar (SAS Nagar),
- Dilip Kumar (Bathinda), Rahul Bhandari (Malerkotla), VK Meena (Mansa),
- Alaknanda Dayal (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), Kumar Rahul (Rupnagar),
- Priyank Bharti (Ludhiana), Ajit Balaji Joshi (Ferozepur), Mohammad Tayyab (Patiala), among others.
Preparedness Amid Heightened Tensions
The deployment follows rising cross-border tensions, drone intrusions, and artillery exchanges along the western border. The Punjab government’s proactive measures aim to safeguard public welfare and maintain administrative order during this period of uncertainty.
