Chandigarh: The Punjab government on Monday ordered the transfer and posting of three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers with immediate effect on administrative grounds. The orders were issued by the Department of Personnel (IAS Branch) with the approval of the Governor of Punjab, following directions from the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the upcoming electoral process in the state.
Transfers Issued Under Election Commission Directions
The official notification states that the transfers were carried out in line with the Election Commission of India’s letter No. 154/PB/2025-P.Admm dated January 15, 2026. The officers affected by the orders have been directed to assume their new postings immediately.
The notification also mentions that separate posting orders will be issued for one of the officers due to consequential vacancy adjustments arising from this reshuffle.
Key IAS Officers Transferred: Who Goes Where
- Ms Anninda Mitra, IAS (2007 batch)
Present Postings:
- Administrative Secretary, Higher Education & Languages
- Additional Administrative Secretary, School Education
- Additional Managing Director, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board
New Postings:
- Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab
- Administrative Secretary, Elections
Anninda Mitra has been entrusted with the crucial responsibility of overseeing Punjab’s electoral machinery. Her appointment as Chief Electoral Officer comes at a critical time when election preparedness and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct are essential.
- Ms Sonali Giri, IAS (2009 batch)
Present Postings:
- Managing Director, PUNSUP
- Additional Administrative Secretary-cum-Director, Civil Aviation
- Additional Secretary, Revenue & Rehabilitation
New Postings:
- Managing Director, PUNSUP
- Additional Administrative Secretary-cum-Director, Civil Aviation
- Additional Secretary, Revenue & Rehabilitation
- Additional Administrative Secretary, School Education
- Additional Administrative Secretary, Higher Education & Languages
Sonali Giri has been given additional charge of the School Education and Higher Education & Languages departments, taking over from Anninda Mitra following her transfer to the Elections Department.
- Girish Dayalan, IAS (2011 batch)
Present Postings:
- Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab
- Managing Director, Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd.
New Postings:
- Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab
- Managing Director, Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd.
- Managing Director, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB)
Girish Dayalan has been assigned the additional charge of PIDB, a key body responsible for infrastructure planning and execution in Punjab.
Significance of the Reshuffle
This reshuffle carries strategic importance, as it directly impacts:
- Election Management: With the appointment of Anninda Mitra as Chief Electoral Officer, the state is ensuring robust oversight of electoral processes.
- Education Administration: Reallocation of departments such as School Education and Higher Education & Languages ensures continuity and efficiency in governance.
- Infrastructure Development: Assigning PIDB to Girish Dayalan aligns administrative oversight with ongoing infrastructure projects.
The move highlights the Punjab government’s compliance with Election Commission guidelines and demonstrates its focus on administrative neutrality and efficiency during the election period.
Read also: Punjab Government Acquires 167 Flats in Mohali for IAS, IPS, and Other Officers
