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Parampal Kaur Sidhu, a 2011-batch IAS officer and BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Bathinda, faced a setback as the Punjab government rejected her request for voluntary retirement. Sidhu, who joined the BJP after submitting her resignation, had sought an exemption from the mandatory three-month notice period.
The Punjab Department of Personnel, in a letter to Sidhu, stated that her resignation request had not been accepted, and she was directed to resume her duties immediately. The government cited reasons such as falsified grounds for retirement and unauthorized relinquishing of her post as the Managing Director of the Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC).
Sidhu’s application for voluntary retirement was scrutinized by the Punjab government, which found discrepancies in her claims. Despite citing personal reasons, including the need to care for her elderly mother, Sidhu’s active involvement in political activities contradicted her stated grounds for retirement. Additionally, her departure from the PSIDC post without authorization further complicated the matter.
The communication from the Punjab government emphasized that Sidhu’s actions did not warrant retirement or relief from service. Consequently, she was directed to resume her duties at PSIDC immediately, with a warning of potential consequences for non-compliance.
Sidhu, the daughter-in-law of senior Akali Dal leader Sikandar Singh Maluka, had expressed her intention to retire prematurely amidst rumors of her BJP affiliation. Speculation suggests she might contest the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat, currently held by Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, in the upcoming elections. Despite her planned retirement in October, Sidhu sought early retirement, fueling anticipation of her political endeavors.
