Exclusive: Rising Discontent Among Haryana Cadre Officers in Chandigarh UT Prompts Repatriation Requests
by Ramesh Goyat for Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, July 13, 2025:
Chandigarh, July 13, 2025 – A growing sense of dissatisfaction is emerging among Haryana Civil Service (HCS) officers deputed to the Chandigarh Union Territory (UT) Administration, with several seeking premature repatriation to their home state. This trend has sparked concerns about the working environment for Haryana cadre officers in Chandigarh, raising questions about administrative dynamics and inter-state coordination within the UT.
Shashi Vasundhara Requests Repatriation
HCS officer Shashi Vasundhara (2016 batch), who was serving as Joint Commissioner in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, has formally conveyed her willingness to return to Haryana. The Chandigarh Administration has subsequently requested Haryana to send a replacement panel, which the state has approved.
The proposed panel includes:
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Kamalpreet Kaur (HCS 2011) – Currently Additional Director (Elementary Education), Panchkula
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Radhika Singh (HCS 2013) – Joint Secretary, Home Department, Haryana
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Bhupender Singh (HCS 2016) – Joint Commissioner, Rohtak Municipal Corporation & Joint Director (Admin), PGIMS Rohtak
Upon selection of one, Shashi Vasundhara will be officially relieved from Chandigarh UT.
Dr. Richa Rathi Also wants Repatriation
HCS officer Dr. Richa Rathi (2013 batch), currently on leave, has also submitted her intent to return to Haryana. She was posted to Chandigarh UT on January 30, 2025. The Haryana Chief Secretary has already initiated the process of preparing a panel for her replacement, and a formal communication has been sent to the Chandigarh Administration seeking her early release.
History of Premature Returns
This trend is not new. Several Haryana cadre officers have previously opted for early exit from UT postings:
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Shalini Chetal (HCS) returned to Haryana while serving as Joint Commissioner, MC Chandigarh.
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Shambhu Rathi (HCS) left early citing dissatisfaction with the UT administration’s functioning.
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Sanyam Garg (HCS) was relieved prematurely by the Chandigarh Administration itself.
Key senior positions held by IAS officers:
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Nishant Yadav (IAS) – Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh
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Mandeep Brar (IAS) – Home Secretary, Chandigarh
Other Haryana Cadre Officers Presently Posted in UT
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Pradyuman Singh (HCS 2013) – Director, CTU
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Sumit Sihag (HCS 2016) – Joint Commissioner, MC Chandigarh
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Kamboj Kamboj (HCS 2016) – SDM South, Chandigarh
- Haryana Cadre Losing Traditional Hold
Since its formation in 1966, Chandigarh has functioned as a Union Territory and joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. Traditionally, key posts like DC and Home Secretary were held by Haryana cadre officers, along with important departments like Excise and Transport.
However, the past year has seen a clear shift in administrative control:
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Excise and Taxation Commissioner – Now held by a 2018 batch UT cadre IAS officer
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Transport Secretary – Now held by a Punjab cadre IAS officer
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MD, CITCO – Previously a Punjab cadre post, now given to a UT cadre officer
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Commissioner, MC Chandigarh – A Punjab cadre officer, but now in a bid to dillute it authority, assisted by a UT cadre Special Commissioner
DANICS Officers in UT Administration
Currently, four DANICS cadre officers are serving in the UT, two of whom are doubling as SDMs and Estate Officers. However, to date, no DANICS officer has been appointed in the Municipal Corporation, where only Punjab and Haryana cadre officers have traditionally served.
Increasing Dominance of UT Cadre Creating Imbalance
This slow but steady disengagement of Haryana cadre officers is raising concerns about the future balance of power and representation in the Chandigarh Administration. If this trend continues, it could significantly curtail the influence and participation of Haryana officers in the governance of the Union Territory.
Is this merely a policy imbalance between Centre and State, or does it reflect a deeper issue with UT administrative functioning? — This question is gaining urgency and deserves closer scrutiny.