Punjab Finally Clears NOCs for Four IAS Officers Seeking Central Deputation After Months of Delay — Complete List and Pending Cases Explained
After months of uncertainty, the Punjab government has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to four senior IAS officers who had requested central deputation, senior officials confirmed on Thursday. This marks a significant development amid ongoing delays and unresolved posting issues within the state bureaucracy.
The officers who have now been permitted to move to the Centre include:
Mr. Tejveer Singh – 1994 batch IAS officer
Mr. Dileep Kumar – 1995 batch
Mr. Varun Roojam – 2004 batch
Mr. Sibin C – 2005 batch
According to government sources, the Centre is expected to formally issue their posting orders within the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, Ms. Shruti Singh, a 2004 batch IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, has already joined the Union Government as Joint Secretary, Information & Broadcasting Ministry.
Multiple Senior Officers Still Waiting for Assignments
Even as some officers received long-awaited NOCs, several IAS officers in Punjab continue to remain without postings—some for nearly eight months. This prolonged administrative limbo has triggered concerns about delays in handling cadre management.
Among the most notable cases:
Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh (2001 batch)
Removed as Home Secretary in March 2025
Has not been assigned any new role since then
Mr. Puneet Goyal (2010 batch)
Former Director of Food & Supplies
Without posting since February 2025
Mr. A.K. Sinha (1996 batch)
Previously served as Secretary (Power) and CMD of PSPCL & PSTCL
Currently awaiting reassignment
Ms. Kanwalpreet Brar (2005 batch)
Removed from Punjab Warehousing Corporation earlier this year
No fresh posting has been announced
Officials within the administration admit that the list of officers awaiting clearances or reassignment has grown, reflecting internal bottlenecks in transfer approvals.
NOCs Earlier Denied to Several Officers
Sources also pointed out that before granting NOCs to the latest group of officers, the government had previously rejected deputation requests from:
Mr. Nilkanth S. Avhad (1999 batch)
Ms. Alakhnanda Dayal (2000 batch)
Mr. Vijay N. Zade (2002 batch)
Additionally, Ms. Sonali Giri has been officially directed to continue in her existing position, with no deputation approved.
Administrative Delays Under Scrutiny
The recurring postponements in issuing postings and NOCs have sparked questions about the efficiency of administrative decision-making within the state government. However, top officials maintain that all central deputation approvals are being processed “as per established rules and procedures.”
Many analysts believe the situation reflects deeper structural issues in Punjab’s bureaucracy, including:
Slow movement on transfer files
Frequent reshuffles at the political level
High demand for central deputation among mid-senior IAS officers
Sensitivity around key portfolios such as Home, Power, and Food & Supplies
For now, the issuing of four NOCs is being seen as a positive step, even as several senior officers continue to await clarity on their futures.
