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Punjab grants NOC to 4 IAS officers for central deputation

At least four IAS officers have been waiting for new postings after being transferred from their previous assignments, some even for eight months.

Punjab government had denied NOCs to several other officers, including Nilkanth S Avhad (1999), Alakhnanda Dayal (2000), Vijay N Zade (2002). (File Photo)Punjab government had denied NOCs to several other officers, including Nilkanth S Avhad (1999), Alakhnanda Dayal (2000), Vijay N Zade (2002). (File Photo)

The Punjab government has granted the no objection certificate to four state cadre IAS officers for deputation at Centre, officials Thursday said. The four include Tejveer Singh (1994 batch), Dileep Kumar (1995), Sibin C (2005) and Varun Roojam (2004).

“These officers will soon get the posting orders. When the state government issues NOC, then it is only a matter of weeks before the orders land,” said a government official.

Shruti Singh (2004 batch) has already joined the Centre as joint secretary in Information and Broadcasting Department.

Punjab government had denied NOCs to several other officers, including Nilkanth S Avhad (1999), Alakhnanda Dayal (2000), Vijay N Zade (2002). Sonali Giri too has been asked to stay put, sources told The Indian Express.

At least four IAS officers have been waiting for new postings after being transferred from their previous assignments, some even for eight months.

They include Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, a 2001-batch IAS officer. He was removed from his post as the Punjab home secretary on March 24 and instructed to report to the secretary of, Personnel Department. He has not been assigned any new responsibilities. Earlier, he was responsible for mines and geology, and served as the commissioner of Food and Drug Administration and overseeing gurdwara elections.

Similarly, Puneet Goyal, a 2010-batch IAS officer, was removed from his position as director of food on February 25. He has not received a new posting since then.

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AK Sinha, a 1996-batch IAS officer was removed as secretary (power) as well as chairman and Managing Director of PSPCL and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL), on November 1. He is without posting since then. Kanwalpreet Brar, another IAS officer was removed from Punjab Warehousing Corporation in February and continues to be without posting.

AAP chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal was not available for comments on the issue.

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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