Punjab cancels leaves of IAS, PCS officers amid escalating border tension
NEW DELHI: Amid rising tensions along the border, the
on Friday cancelled all leaves granted to IAS and
across the state, citing the need for immediate preparedness and emergency response.
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An official order issued by Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Secretary, Personnel, read: 'In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, it has been decided that no officer shall proceed on any kind of leave or leave their station of posting without the explicit approval of the Chief Secretary, Punjab. All the leaves approved so far stand cancelled.'
The directive has come into effect immediately.
'These instructions shall come into force at once. Meticulous compliance may be ensured, failing which, suitable action under the relevant rules shall be initiated,' the order added.
In a swift response to the developing situation following reports of exchanges of fire along the border between Indian and Pakistani forces, the state government is stepping up its preparedness efforts. Ten cabinet ministers have been directed to immediately head to the border districts following a high-level cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the ministers will assess the state's emergency readiness. 'Punjab government is preparing to deal with the situation. Today, the ministers will review the emergency services in the border districts. Will inspect hospitals, fire stations, will inspect the availability of ration and emergency services. Cabinet ministers will reach the border districts, immediately after the cabinet meeting, 10 ministers will leave for the border areas,' the statement said.
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The deployment plan for the ministers has already been outlined. 'Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr. Ravjot Singh will go to Gurdaspur. Ministers Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Mohinder Bhagat will take charge of Amritsar,' the CMO added.
Meanwhile, amid heightened alert in the border areas, the District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) in Amritsar has issued an advisory urging residents to remain indoors and take precautionary steps for their safety.
'All citizens are requested to stay indoors and away from the windows, keep lights turned off, and draw the window curtains. There is no need to panic. A siren will blow now, and we will pass the message again once it is clear,' the DPRO's message read.
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