In a major disciplinary action, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab, has suspended 17 Panchayat Secretaries with immediate effect. Official orders regarding this matter have been issued by the department. According to the issued orders, the suspended Panchayat Secretaries belong to the Patran, Samana, Sanaur, Patiala, and Nabha Assembly constituencies within the Patiala district. During the period of suspension, the office of the ‘District Development and Panchayat Officer, Patiala’ has been designated as the headquarters for all these employees.
Furthermore, the orders clarify that during the suspension period, these employees shall be entitled to receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with the provisions of Rule 7.2 of the Punjab Civil Services Rules, provided they furnish a certificate declaring that they are not engaged in any other gainful employment or business during this time. The department has duly informed the concerned officials regarding this matter, and these orders are deemed to be effective immediately.
