punjab-government-cancels-officers-leaves-over-border-tensions

Amid heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Punjab government has cancelled all leaves of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Punjab Civil Service (PCS) officers, directing them to remain at their respective stations without exception. The move comes as part of the State’s intensified emergency preparedness.

 

An order issued by Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Secretary, Personnel, stated, “In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, it has been decided that no officer shall proceed on any kind of leave or leave their station of posting without the explicit approval of the Chief Secretary, Punjab. All the leaves approved so far stand cancelled.”

 

The directive further emphasised strict adherence, warning, “These instructions shall come into force at once. Meticulous compliance may be ensured, failing which, suitable action under the relevant rules shall be initiated.”

 

In a parallel move, the Punjab government has instructed ten of its cabinet ministers to undertake immediate visits to the State’s border districts to assess emergency preparedness. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) indicated that the ministers will evaluate the readiness of hospitals, fire stations, and ration supplies, as well as other critical services in the border regions.

 

"Punjab government is preparing to deal with the situation. Today, the ministers will review the emergency services in the border districts. Will inspect hospitals, fire stations, will inspect the availability of ration and emergency services. Cabinet ministers will reach the border districts immediately after the cabinet meeting," read the statement from the CMO.

 

According to the CMO, Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr Ravjot Singh have been assigned to Gurdaspur, while Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Mohinder Bhagat will oversee Amritsar.

 

Meanwhile, the District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) in Amritsar has urged residents to take precautionary measures as tensions mount.

 

"All citizens are requested to stay indoors and away from the windows, keep lights turned off, and draw the window curtains. There is no need to panic. A siren will blow now, and we will pass the message again once it is clear," the Amritsar DPRO said.