Punjab Government Orders Major IAS Reshuffle Ahead of Elections
Administrative Shake‑Up in Punjab Before Polls
In a significant administrative development, the Punjab government on Monday announced the transfer and posting of three senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers with immediate effect. The reshuffle, approved by the Governor of Punjab and issued by the Department of Personnel (IAS Branch), comes in compliance with directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the upcoming electoral process in the state.
The official notification, referencing ECI letter No. 154/PB/2025‑P.Admm dated January 15, 2026, directed the officers to assume their new responsibilities without delay. It also noted that separate posting orders would follow for one officer due to consequential vacancy adjustments arising from this reshuffle.
Key Transfers and New Assignments
Anninda Mitra, IAS (2007 batch)
Previous Roles:
Administrative Secretary, Higher Education & Languages
Additional Administrative Secretary, School Education
Additional Managing Director, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board
New Roles:
Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab
Administrative Secretary, Elections
Anninda Mitra has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of overseeing Punjab’s electoral machinery. Her appointment as Chief Electoral Officer is strategically timed to ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and robust election preparedness.
Sonali Giri, IAS (2009 batch)
Previous Roles:
Managing Director, PUNSUP
Additional Administrative Secretary‑cum‑Director, Civil Aviation
Additional Secretary, Revenue & Rehabilitation
Expanded Roles:
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 continues as Managing Director of Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation (PUNSUP) while taking on additional charge of the School Education and Higher Education & Languages departments, responsibilities previously held by Anninda Mitra.
Girish Dayalan, IAS (2011 batch)
Previous Roles:
Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab
Managing Director, Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd.
New Roles:
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 the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), a pivotal body responsible for planning and executing infrastructure projects across the state.
Strategic Importance of the Reshuffle
This reshuffle carries weighty implications for governance and election management in Punjab:
Election Oversight: Anninda Mitra’s appointment as Chief Electoral Officer ensures strong supervision of electoral processes during a sensitive period.
Education Continuity: By reallocating the School Education and Higher Education portfolios to Sonali Giri, the government aims to maintain efficiency and stability in academic administration.
Infrastructure Development: Assigning PIDB to Girish Dayalan strengthens administrative oversight of ongoing and future infrastructure projects.
The move underscores the Punjab government’s commitment to administrative neutrality, compliance with Election Commission guidelines, and efficient governance during the election season.
