Punjab cabinet minister loses administrative reforms portfolio, leaving him with sole charge of NRI affairs
Punjab cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal is now left with only the NRI affairs portfolio after the state government officially scrapped the administrative reforms department. This move leaves Dhaliwal with a reduced role, months after losing other key portfolios, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
State government scraps ‘redundant’ administrative reforms department.
A notification issued by the Punjab Chief Secretary confirmed that the administrative reforms department, previously held by Dhaliwal, no longer exists. Officials stated that the department had become redundant as it had no officers or active programs and functioned only on paper.
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Portfolio Reshuffle and Loss of Key Departments
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In the May 2023 cabinet reshuffle, Dhaliwal lost two crucial portfolios—agriculture and rural development & panchayats
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These were reassigned to Gurmeet Singh Khudian and transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, respectively
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Dhaliwal was then handed the administrative reforms department, previously held by Inderbir Singh Nijjar, alongside his existing NRI affairs charge
The administrative reforms department was intended to improve governance and public service delivery, but it saw no major initiatives under Dhaliwal. Another department, the Department of Governance Reforms and Public Grievances, continues to focus on improving efficiency through technology-driven solutions.
Dhaliwal’s Role in NRI Affairs
Dhaliwal has remained in the spotlight in his role as NRI affairs minister, especially following the recent deportation of illegal migrants from the US to Amritsar. His ministry continues to address issues faced by the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.
Future Cabinet Changes Possible
It is unclear whether Dhaliwal will be compensated with new responsibilities. The last cabinet reshuffle in September 2023 saw CM Bhagwant Mann drop four ministers and induct five new faces. With 16 ministers currently in the cabinet, including the chief minister, there is room for two more under the constitutional cap of 18.
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