The Punjab Cabinet, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved an amendment to the service rules of the Election Department to enhance the state’s election machinery for the upcoming legislative Assembly elections. This decision aims to address administrative hurdles, streamline the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and address crucial staff shortages for election-related tasks.
The amendment specifically reduces the experience required for promotion from the position of election ‘kanungo’ to ‘tehsildar’ from 15 years to 12 years. This change was prompted by the presence of seven vacant positions for election ‘tehsildar’ and the urgent need for their services during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls and the impending elections.
The move is crucial as the current rules render none of the existing election ‘kanungoes’ eligible for promotion due to the 15-year experience requirement. By lowering the mandatory experience to 12 years, eligible staff can be promoted in the future, filling the vacant posts and strengthening the election machinery.
The Cabinet also greenlit the Annual Administrative Report of the Department of Water Resources for 2025-26, enabling a comprehensive review of the department’s operational performance and accomplishments during the fiscal year.
