Historic Cadre Integration in Panchayat Department, ‘Panchayat Development Secretary’ Cadre Formed

Historic Cadre Integration in Panchayat Department, ‘Panchayat Development Secretary’ Cadre Formed

Chandigarh 24 January ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The Punjab government has taken a historic decision in the Panchayat Department by merging the Panchayat Secretary and Gram Sevak cadres to create a new cadre titled “Panchayat Development Secretary.” A gazette notification in this regard was issued on January 23, 2026. The decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the guidance of Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, with prior approval from the state cabinet on August 14, 2025.

Welcoming the decision, Bhupinder Singh, Chairman of the Panchayat Secretary Union Punjab, said that the move will ensure timely payment of salaries, open new avenues for promotions, and pave the way for future recruitment to nearly 1,700 vacant posts in the department. He termed the decision a new milestone for the Panchayat Department and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, the Minister, and all concerned officials.