Punjab Govt Issues Show-Cause Notice to Jaswant Zafar
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, September 30, 2026: The Punjab Government has issued a show-cause notice to Director of the Language Department, Jaswant Zafar, seeking his explanation over the matter. Following the issuance of the notice, the issue has once again come into the spotlight. Zafar has also written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking action against the Administrative Secretary in connection with the matter.
The recruitment of 42 Research Assistants in the Language Department has remained embroiled in controversy for a long time. Complaints regarding the recruitment process had alleged changes in eligibility criteria and purported violations of reservation and roster rules. The matter has also reached the court, while the recruitment process has yet to reach its final stage.
According to Sunali Giri, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education and Languages Department, objections were raised regarding the alleged improper implementation of reservation provisions and violation of roster rules in the recruitment process. She further stated that the recruitment process was subsequently taken forward by the present Director and that he had been called several times to attend meetings in connection with the matter.
On the other hand, according to a media report, Jaswant Zafar, in his letter to the Chief Minister, has stated that the clerical error in the official record on the basis of which the show-cause notice was issued pertains to a period before his appointment as Director. He has also raised questions over the action taken by the Administrative Secretary.
The development has brought renewed attention to the recruitment of Research Assistants in the Language Department, with the allegations and administrative positions on the matter now being examined amid the ongoing legal proceedings.