In a strategic move to streamline governance, the Punjab Government issued fresh posting and transfer orders on Friday, affecting three senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and one Punjab Civil Services (PCS) officer. These appointments are designed to bolster leadership in departments critical to the state’s socio-economic and technological growth.
Strategic Liaison: New Principal Resident Commissioner for New Delhi
Sirra Karuna Raju (IAS, 1998 batch), who was previously awaiting a fresh posting, has been appointed as the Principal Resident Commissioner at Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi. Mr. Raju succeeds Shri Varun Roojam (IAS), who has been relieved of this additional charge. This role is pivotal for maintaining high-level coordination and liaison between the Punjab State Government and the Union Administration.
Consolidated Leadership: Gurkirat Kirpal Singh Entrusted with Key Portfolios
In one of the most significant moves of this reshuffle, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh (IAS, 2001 batch) has been assigned several strategic administrative roles. His appointment highlights a consolidated approach to industrial and social welfare policies. He will now serve as:
Administrative Secretary: Social Security, Women & Child Development (replacing Shri Vikas Pratap, IAS).
Administrative Secretary: Industries and Commerce.
Administrative Secretary: Investment Promotion.
Administrative Secretary: Promotion of Information Technology Industry (replacing Shri Kamal Kishor Yadav, IAS).
Focus on Tech: Additional Charge for Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar
Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar (IAS, 2020 batch), currently the Director of Higher Education, has been given the additional responsibility of Managing Director of Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Limited (Punjab INFOTECH). This dual role is expected to drive digital transformation and synergy between the academic and technology sectors in the state.
Grassroots Governance: PCS Officer Posted to Gurdaspur
Within the state civil services, Anand Sagar Sharma (PCS, 2012 batch) has been moved from his role as Joint Secretary (Social Security) to become the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) in Gurdaspur. His mandate involves accelerating the implementation of rural development schemes and strengthening local governance.
Official Objective
State officials have indicated that these reassignments are part of a broader effort to optimize administrative machinery. By aligning seasoned bureaucrats with evolving governance priorities, the state aims to accelerate policy execution and improve public service delivery across these high-impact departments.
