Chandigarh, Feb 8: In a significant administrative move, the Punjab government has suspended two senior IAS officers with immediate effect, officials said.
According to official orders as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the officers have been placed under suspension due to alleged delays in implementing key government initiatives.
Sources indicated that the action is linked to a six-year delay in the procurement of smartphones for Anganwadi workers under the Union Government’s Mission Saksham Anganwadi program. The vendor appointed for supplying the devices had reportedly approached the court over the delay.
Two other IAS officers have also been transferred in connection with the matter, including Vikas Pratap, who was serving as Additional Chief Secretary for Social Security.
The suspended officers include a 2003-batch IAS officer heading the Department of Industries and Commerce, and a 2014-batch officer serving as managing director of the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Limited.
Both officers have been suspended under Rule 3(1) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, and will remain in Chandigarh during the suspension period.
Following the suspension, IAS officer Gurkirat Kirpal Singh has been assigned the charge of Industries, Investment Promotion, and Social Security. Singh had been without a posting for nearly 11 months.
This move marks another instance of administrative action against IAS officers during the AAP government’s tenure, following earlier suspensions in 2023 and 2025 over alleged lapses and corruption. (KNC)
