Chandigarh: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle aimed at strengthening governance and streamlining administrative functioning, the Punjab Government has transferred eight IAS officers with immediate effect. The orders, issued by Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, involve key appointments across the Personnel, Home Affairs, Health, Housing & Urban Development, Municipal Administration, and Rural Development departments.
The reshuffle brings significant changes in senior administrative positions, with 2008-batch IAS officer Neelima taking over as Secretary, Personnel Department, along with the additional responsibility of Secretary, Vigilance Department. Another notable appointment is that of 2016-batch IAS officer Parminder Pal Singh, who has been posted as Special Secretary, Home Affairs Department.
Neelima Takes Charge of Personnel and Vigilance
One of the most significant decisions in the reshuffle is the appointment of Neelima (IAS:2008) as Secretary, Personnel Department. She has been shifted from the Home Affairs Department and entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Vigilance Department, placing her at the helm of two crucial administrative wings of the state government.
The Personnel Department plays a central role in managing the state’s civil services, while the Vigilance Department oversees anti-corruption measures and disciplinary matters within the administration.
Parminder Pal Singh Shifted to Home Affairs
Parminder Pal Singh (IAS:2016) has been transferred from the Employment Generation and Skill Development Department and appointed as Special Secretary, Home Affairs Department.
His new assignment places him in one of the state’s most critical departments, responsible for internal security, law and order, and coordination with various enforcement agencies.
Sakshi Sawhney Gets Anti-Drug Campaign Responsibility
In another important move, Sakshi Sawhney (IAS:2014) has been assigned the additional responsibility of Nodal Officer for the Anti-Drug Campaign, reflecting the Punjab Government’s continued focus on combating drug abuse in the state.
She will continue to serve as Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Punjab. However, she has been relieved of her charge as Chief Administrator, Punjab Urban Planning & Development Authority (PUDA).
Housing and Urban Development Sees Major Changes
The Housing and Urban Development Department has also witnessed key changes.
Sandeep Rishi (IAS:2015) has been transferred from his post as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, and appointed as Chief Administrator, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), SAS Nagar.
Meanwhile, Neeru Katyal Gupta (IAS:2016) has been appointed Chief Administrator, Punjab Urban Planning & Development Authority (PUDA). She has also been given the additional charge of Director, Town and Country Planning, making her responsible for two significant urban planning institutions in the state.
Municipal Administration and District-Level Transfers
Among the younger officers, Nikas Kumar (IAS:2020) has been transferred from the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development), Hoshiarpur, and appointed Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar.
Sonam (IAS:2023) has been posted as Additional Commissioner, Taxation-I, Patiala, while continuing to serve in her existing role as Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Patiala and maintaining her responsibilities in the Excise and Taxation Department.
Similarly, Rakesh Kumar Meena (IAS:2023) has been shifted from the post of Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Bathinda, and appointed Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development), Hoshiarpur.
Complete List of Transfers
The Punjab Government has ordered the following postings with immediate effect:
- Neelima (IAS:2008): Appointed Secretary, Personnel Department, with additional charge of Secretary, Vigilance Department.
- Sakshi Sawhney (IAS:2014): Continues as Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Mission Director, NHM Punjab; additionally appointed Nodal Officer for the Anti-Drug Campaign; relieved as Chief Administrator, PUDA.
- Sandeep Rishi (IAS:2015): Appointed Chief Administrator, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), SAS Nagar.
- Parminder Pal Singh (IAS:2016): Posted as Special Secretary, Home Affairs Department.
- Neeru Katyal Gupta (IAS:2016): Appointed Chief Administrator, Punjab Urban Planning & Development Authority (PUDA); also given additional charge of Director, Town and Country Planning.
- Nikas Kumar (IAS:2020): Appointed Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar.
- Sonam (IAS:2023): Posted as Additional Commissioner, Taxation-I, Patiala, while continuing her existing responsibilities.
- Rakesh Kumar Meena (IAS:2023): Appointed Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development), Hoshiarpur.
Immediate Joining Ordered
The state government has directed all transferred officers to assume charge of their new assignments without delay.
The official order further states that any officers who have not been assigned a fresh posting in the current transfer list will report to the Secretary, Personnel Department until further orders are issued.
The latest administrative reshuffle is expected to strengthen governance across key departments, particularly Personnel, Home Affairs, Urban Development, Health, and Municipal Administration, while also reinforcing the government’s focus on public service delivery and its anti-drug campaign.
