Sun Feb 23 05:52:22 UTC 2025: ## Punjab Minister Headed “Non-Existent” Department for 20 Months: BJP

**Chandigarh, India** – The Punjab government has abolished the Department of Administrative Reforms, sparking controversy after it was revealed that State Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal headed the department for 20 months despite its non-existence. The BJP has sharply criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for this alleged administrative blunder.

A government notification dated February 21 stated that the department, previously allocated to Dhaliwal, “is not in existence as on date.” Dhaliwal maintains that the department’s existence was not a priority, claiming the focus is on serving Punjab.

The BJP has launched scathing attacks. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned Dhaliwal for leading a “non-existent” department for such an extended period, describing it as something only possible under the AAP’s leadership. BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa went further, alleging the Mann government has regressed Punjab by 50 years. Bajwa pointed to issues like rampant illegal immigration and a lack of effective administrative reform as evidence of the government’s failings.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the government, stating that the department was renamed and restructured to improve efficiency, including merging similar departments. He claimed the previous iteration lacked staff and office space, but the new department is now actively pursuing reforms. However, the BJP’s criticism continues, focusing on the apparent mismanagement and lack of transparency.

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