Punjab Govt Revamps Bureaucratic Line-Up: 3 IAS Officers Get New Roles — Arshdeep Singh Thind to Lead Agriculture, Basant Garg Moves to Power, Sanyam Aggarwal to Drive Anti-Drug Efforts
In a fresh round of bureaucratic realignments, the Punjab government has ordered the transfer of three senior IAS officers with immediate effect. The reshuffle, approved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, underscores the state’s intent to strengthen administrative focus across vital departments including agriculture, energy, and public health.
Arshdeep Singh Thind to Head Agriculture and Allied Departments
Senior IAS officer Arshdeep Singh Thind (2004 batch) has been appointed as the new Administrative Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Alongside this key role, he will also serve as Administrative Secretary for Horticulture and Soil & Water Conservation.
Thind, known for his pragmatic and reform-oriented approach, replaces Basant Garg, who earlier oversaw these departments while juggling several critical assignments. His appointment signals a renewed emphasis on revitalizing Punjab’s agricultural sector and improving coordination across allied fields.
Basant Garg Transferred to Power and Renewable Energy
2005-batch IAS officer Basant Garg has been entrusted with a new portfolio as Administrative Secretary, Power Department, along with additional charge as Administrative Secretary, New & Renewable Energy Sources. He will also serve as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of both the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd. (PSTCL).
Previously handling multiple high-stakes portfolios — including Health, Agriculture, and the state’s Anti-Drug Campaign — Garg’s new posting is seen as a strategic move to consolidate leadership in Punjab’s energy sector, especially as the government pushes forward with its renewable energy agenda.
Sanyam Aggarwal to Continue in Health, Lead Anti-Drug Campaign
Sanyam Aggarwal, a 2012-batch IAS officer, will continue as Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, and CEO, State Health Agency, Punjab. In addition, he has been assigned the charge of Nodal Officer for the Anti-Drug Campaign, a responsibility previously handled by Basant Garg.
Aggarwal’s expanded role aims to enhance the synergy between health services and the state’s ongoing anti-drug initiatives, reinforcing a more integrated approach to tackling substance abuse.
Government’s Broader Aim Behind the Transfers
According to senior officials, this reshuffle is designed to balance administrative workloads, improve inter-departmental coordination, and ensure sharper policy delivery in critical domains. With agricultural revival, energy reform, and public health emerging as top governance priorities, the latest reassignments reflect Punjab’s determination to deliver focused, accountable, and outcome-driven administration under CM Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
