Punjab Government Takes Strict Action on Indiscipline: 4 Employees Dismissed Under ‘Valid Resignation

January 1, 2026

Chandigarh, January 1, 2026: Under the directives of Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to strictly enforce discipline and accountability, the State Tax Commissionerate, on the orders of Punjab’s Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, has taken action against the employees of the State Tax Department. The services of four employees of the department have been terminated.

According to orders issued by Tax Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal, three excise and tax inspectors and one clerk had been absent without approved leave for more than a year. Despite being served several legal notices and given opportunities, they did not return to their duties.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said:

“Our government has a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and dereliction of duty. Public service demands dedication. There is no place in the administration for employees who remain absent from work for years without authorization.”

Termination after investigation under rules

This action was taken after a detailed investigation under Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970.

The employees against whom action was taken include:

An inspector posted in Jalandhar-2, who had been absent since March 15, 2023
Another inspector, who had been continuously absent since June 24, 2023, while on suspension
An inspector from the Rupnagar Range, who did not report for duty despite being granted ex-India leave from May 29, 2021

He did not participate in the virtual inspection despite citing medical reasons
A clerk from the Jalandhar Audit Wing, who had been absent since September 11, 2023, did not report even after his ex-India leave was rejected

Despite being given multiple opportunities, the employees did not join within the stipulated deadline.

No service benefits, including pension and gratuity, will be available

Under the Finance Department’s directives dated March 13, 2025, any government employee’s unauthorized absence for more than one year will automatically be considered a “valid resignation.”

Under this, these employees will not be provided:

Pension
Gratuity
Any other service-related benefits

The Department has clarified that this action is an important step towards ensuring transparent and accountable governance.