Continuing with its administrative reshuffling, Punjab Government on Monday issued transfer and posting orders of 42 officials, including 36 IAS and seven PCS, with significant portfolio changes. The move reflected a strategic realignment aimed at reinforcing key departments and ensuring that leadership is in place to address the state’s growing challenges.

Notably, senior IAS officer Krishan Kumar has been entrusted with the critical Finance Department in addition to retaining his role as Principal Secretary of Water Resources. His former charge — the Taxation Department — has now been handed over to Jaspreet Talwar, who was recently promoted as Additional Chief Secretary.

In another significant shuffle, Rahul Tiwari and Vikas Garg have swapped roles — Tiwari will now steer the Food and Supply Department, while Garg takes charge of Housing and Urban Development.

Senior IAS officer VK Meena has been assigned the Social Justice and Minorities Department, whereas Alaknanda Dayal has been given charge of the Employment Generation and Skill Development portfolio. Varinder Kumar Sharma steps in as the new Director of the Food and Supply Department, and the Education sector sees a change at the helm with Anandita Mitra replacing KK Yadav as Administrative Secretary.

The reshuffle extended to the Rural Development Department, where following an inquiry into the sale of village pathways in New Chandigarh, Secretary Dilraj Singh and Director Paramjit Singh have been replaced by Ajit Balaji Joshi and Uma Shankar Gupta, respectively.

Additionally, Neelima from the Agriculture Department is now appointed as CEO of PEDA, with Babita taking over as Agriculture Commissioner. Gauri Prashar Joshi has been posted as Secretary in the Department of General Administration, marking yet another critical appointment in this extensive overhaul.