Top officials express frustration over career stagnation and loss of administrative autonomy as Delhi-linked power centres allegedly dominate governance
Widespread Discontent Among Punjab’s Bureaucrats
A deep sense of uncertainty and disillusionment is gripping Punjab’s bureaucracy as a growing number of IAS officers seek No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to move on Central Deputation. Officers cite concerns over career stagnation, political interference, and what they describe as a breakdown in administrative decision-making within the state government.
According to sources, 8–10 senior IAS officers—including Tejveer Singh (1994 batch), Dilip Kumar (1995), S. Awhad Nilkanth (1999), Alaknanda Dayal (2000), and Zade Vijay Namdeorao (2002)—are currently awaiting clearance from the state government to move to central postings.
Many officers fear that the absence of deputation opportunities could jeopardize their empanelment prospects for senior positions such as Additional Secretary or Secretary in the Government of India—posts that often require prior experience at the Centre.
Within administrative circles, Punjab is increasingly being labeled an “administrative graveyard”—a state where promotions are delayed, decisions are stalled, and competent officers are left demoralized.
Long Wait for Postings Fuels Discontent
The unrest is not limited to those seeking deputation. Several other officers—including Gurkirat Kirpal Singh (2001 batch), Puneet Goel, K. P. Brar, Pramjit Singh, and Paramvir Singh—are reportedly without substantive postings for the past six to seven months.
This prolonged uncertainty has contributed to a growing perception of governance paralysis, where routine transfers, appointments, and administrative approvals face unexplained delays.
Breakdown in Administrative Command
Multiple bureaucrats allege that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Chief Secretary’s Office have lost institutional balance and operational autonomy. According to them, the Chief Minister is unable to take prompt administrative decisions, leaving critical files pending for weeks.
This vacuum, they claim, has allowed external actors to gain disproportionate influence over governance matters.
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Allegations of “Delhi Control” in State Administration
Several officers privately assert that Punjab’s governance is increasingly dictated by political operatives from Delhi, particularly individuals close to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership. They argue that this has created a shadow administrative structure operating parallel to the official bureaucracy.
Names frequently mentioned by insiders include Bibhav Kumar, a close aide to Arvind Kejriwal, who is described as functioning like a “super chief secretary”, allegedly overseeing transfers and policy decisions. Similarly, Jasmine Shah, former vice-chairperson of the Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC), is said to act as an unofficial gatekeeper for cabinet notes and key approvals—a role that some bureaucrats claim violates established administrative norms and even the Official Secrets Act.
Chief Secretary’s Limited Role in Resolving the Stalemate
Despite being the state’s top bureaucrat, the Chief Secretary is reportedly unable to intervene effectively on behalf of his colleagues. Officers allege that he lacks the autonomy to approve NOCs or expedite pending personnel decisions, contributing to a sense of professional suffocation across departments.
This gridlock has left many officers either disengaged or actively seeking transfers out of Punjab, further weakening the state’s administrative structure.
Governance Impact: Political Directives Over Bureaucratic Judgment
Officials within the state secretariat suggest that political directions often supersede bureaucratic advice, leading to inconsistent decision-making and delayed project execution. The growing influence of non-elected advisers and Delhi-based operatives has, according to them, undermined the neutrality and efficiency traditionally associated with Punjab’s civil service.
A Defining Moment for Punjab’s Administrative Future
Punjab’s bureaucratic crisis represents more than an internal personnel dispute—it highlights systemic dysfunction driven by overlapping political control and administrative inertia.
If left unresolved, the exodus of senior IAS officers could further erode governance quality and make it difficult for the state to attract or retain experienced administrators in the years ahead.
How the Punjab government addresses these internal fractures—and whether it restores institutional autonomy—will likely shape the future of governance and public administration in the state.
