Sun Feb 08 10:13:47 UTC 2026: # Punjab Government Suspends Two IAS Officers Over Smartphone Procurement Delay

The Story:
The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has suspended two senior IAS officers, Kamal Kishore Yadav and Jaspreet Singh, effective Saturday, February 7, 2026. The suspension stems from a six-year delay in procuring smartphones for Anganwadi workers under the Union Government’s Mission Saksham Anganwadi program. The vendor selected for the procurement reportedly approached the court due to the delay. Two additional IAS officers have also been transferred in connection to this matter.

Key Points:

  • The suspended officers are Kamal Kishore Yadav (2003-batch IAS officer, administrative secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion and Promotion of Information Technology) and Jaspreet Singh (2014-batch IAS officer, managing director of the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Limited).
  • The reason for the suspension is a six-year delay in procuring smartphones for Anganwadi workers.
  • The suspension is under Rule 3 (1) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
  • The officers will remain in Chandigarh during their suspension.
  • Vikas Pratap, Additional Chief Secretary for Social Security, was one of two IAS officers to be transferred.
  • Gurkirat Kirpal Singh has been assigned the responsibilities for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Social Security.
  • This is not the first time the AAP government in Punjab has suspended IAS officers; previous suspensions occurred in February 2025 and August 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Punjab government is taking a stern stance on administrative delays, particularly those related to social welfare programs.
  • The suspension of senior IAS officers highlights the AAP government’s focus on accountability and transparency.
  • The repeated suspensions of IAS officers under the AAP regime may indicate a systemic issue within the state’s bureaucracy, or a targeted effort at reform.
  • The delayed procurement of smartphones for Anganwadi workers raises concerns about the efficiency of government programs and the impact on beneficiaries.

    Read More

Related News: