In a striking appeal for institutional accountability, the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take charge of monitoring the daily conduct of senior bureaucrats and elected officials in Punjab. The demand comes in response to what NAPA describes as repeated failures by state vigilance bodies to effectively investigate and resolve major corruption cases.
Sweeping Oversight Proposal Targets IAS, IPS, PCS, and Political Leaders
Led by Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal, NAPA has proposed that the CBI be entrusted with continuous supervision of the professional activities of IAS, IPS, and PCS officers, as well as Ministers, MLAs, and MPs in Punjab. Chahal argues that the current system lacks independence and efficiency, allowing serious allegations to remain unresolved for years.
He cited the case of former SAD Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who faces charges of disproportionate assets despite a voluminous 40,000-page charge sheet and over 200 witnesses. Another example is IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, arrested by the CBI for allegedly soliciting an ₹8 lakh bribe—an incident that exposed the limitations of state-level vigilance mechanisms.
NAPA Pushes for Structural Reform, Not Just Case-by-Case Action
According to Chahal, the demand is not limited to isolated investigations but calls for a permanent framework of oversight. He believes that only a central agency like the CBI can restore public confidence, ensure timely action, and prevent procedural delays that often derail justice.
Backdrop: Corruption Cases and Public Disillusionment
Punjab has seen a series of high-profile corruption cases involving senior officials. In October 2025, the CBI conducted raids linked to Bhullar’s case, reportedly seizing over ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold, and property documents. These developments have intensified scrutiny of the state’s ability to police its own ranks.
Public sentiment appears to favor independent central investigations, which are perceived as less susceptible to political influence and more capable of delivering swift outcomes.
Potential Impact of CBI-Led Monitoring
If the proposal is accepted, it would represent a major shift in how governance is supervised in Punjab. Key implications include:
Real-time tracking of administrative decisions and conduct
Introduction of systems for immediate reporting and auditing
Enhanced transparency in appointments, transfers, and approvals
Likely resistance from bureaucrats and politicians wary of external scrutiny
Legal complexities around federal jurisdiction and the CBI’s operational mandate
What NAPA Is Asking For
In essence, NAPA’s proposal includes:
Daily oversight of IAS, IPS, and PCS officers by the CBI
Inclusion of elected representatives—Ministers, MLAs, and MPs—under the same monitoring system
A transparent mechanism to track decision-making and accountability in real time
Swift action on emerging allegations to prevent delays and political interference
Expert Opinions: Promise and Practical Challenges
Policy experts acknowledge the urgency behind NAPA’s call but caution that such a system would require a robust legal framework. While central oversight may address local inertia, it could also strain federal relations and overwhelm the CBI’s capacity. Effective implementation would demand clear protocols, adequate resources, and safeguards against misuse.
Next Steps and Uncertain Outcomes
NAPA has formally appealed to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to consider the proposal. Whether the central government will act remains uncertain. Meanwhile, ongoing cases like Bhullar’s continue to underscore the need for structural reform in Punjab’s governance and accountability systems.
As the state stands at a critical juncture, NAPA’s demand may prompt both state and central authorities to reassess oversight mechanisms. Whether daily CBI monitoring becomes a reality or remains a provocative idea in public discourse is yet to be seen.
