Punjab Welcomes New State Information Commissioners: Harpreet Sandhu and Pooja Gupta Take Charge
Harpreet Sandhu and Pooja Gupta Assume Charge as Punjab’s New State Information Commissioners
In a bid to reinforce transparency and strengthen the Right to Information framework in Punjab, Advocate Harpreet Sandhu and Mrs. Pooja Gupta have officially assumed their roles as the new State Information Commissioners of Punjab. The swearing-in ceremony took place on February 11, 2025, at the Punjab Raj Bhawan, where Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Punjab Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh Dhanna, along with other State Information Commissioners Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Virinderjit Singh Billing. Both Sandhu and Gupta bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their new roles, with promises to enhance transparency and public access to government information.
Advocate Harpreet Sandhu: A Legal Expert with Global Recognition
Advocate Harpreet Sandhu, who has had an illustrious career as a lawyer, environmentalist, nature artist, and author, is one of the two newly appointed State Information Commissioners. Sandhu previously served as the Additional Advocate General for Punjab and is well-regarded for his expertise in legal studies. He has also held the position of Chairman of Punjab Infotech and is internationally recognized for his work in legal education.
Sandhu is the author of numerous books on legal comparative studies and holds a Practice Diploma in International Human Rights and Criminal Procedure from the College of Law of England and Wales. His notable work in the legal field has earned him widespread respect. Additionally, he has represented India as an Ambassador of Goodwill to France under the RI GSE Program.
Speaking after assuming his new role, Sandhu expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said, “I thank the Punjab Government for entrusting me with this important responsibility. I am committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of public administration and will work diligently to serve the people of Punjab.”
Sandhu’s experience in both legal and public administration positions him uniquely to oversee and ensure the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in the state.
Mrs. Pooja Gupta: A Strong Advocate for Social Causes and Education
Joining Advocate Sandhu is Mrs. Pooja Gupta, a distinguished social worker and educationist. Gupta’s appointment as State Information Commissioner highlights the government’s focus on including experienced individuals with a passion for societal betterment in key governance roles. Her extensive experience in the social sector, along with her commitment to transparency and fairness, will be pivotal in furthering the Right to Information Act’s impact across the state.
Reflecting on her new role, Mrs. Gupta shared, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Punjab Government for appointing me to this position. I look forward to working with transparency, fairness, and dedication to strengthen the Right to Information framework in Punjab and ensure better access to information for all.”
Her background in education and social work will help ensure that the common people of Punjab have easy access to the information they are entitled to under the RTI Act.
Strengthening Transparency and Public Trust
Both Harpreet Sandhu and Pooja Gupta expressed their commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in Punjab’s governance. They highlighted that the public’s access to information plays a crucial role in ensuring effective governance and minimizing corruption.
The State Information Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which empowers citizens to access government documents, files, and records, promoting a culture of openness in public administration. Sandhu and Gupta’s appointment reflects the Punjab Government’s continuous efforts to improve transparency and streamline the RTI process for the people of Punjab.
The duo’s collaborative approach is expected to strengthen the integrity of the RTI framework, ensuring that government officials and institutions are held accountable for their actions.
Commitment to Building a Transparent Future
Both newly appointed State Information Commissioners have a clear focus: to ensure that the RTI Act is upheld with the highest standards of integrity. Their leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public governance in Punjab.
The public’s right to access government information is a cornerstone of democratic accountability, and both Sandhu and Gupta are set to lead efforts to ensure that citizens can exercise their rights effectively.
Punjab’s Transparency Initiatives: What’s Next?
With these appointments, the Punjab Government aims to further streamline the RTI process, making it more accessible and effective for citizens. Sandhu and Gupta are expected to engage in various outreach programs to educate the public about their rights under the RTI Act and encourage greater participation in government transparency initiatives.
Both officials have expressed an eagerness to address any challenges faced by citizens when accessing information and are committed to improving the RTI process within the state.
A Promising Future for Punjab’s Governance
As Harpreet Sandhu and Pooja Gupta take charge, the future of transparency and accountability in Punjab looks promising. The duo’s leadership is expected to empower citizens, ensuring they have the information needed to hold government institutions to account and make informed decisions about the governance of their state.
With a focus on enhancing public trust and reinforcing the values of integrity, the new appointments herald a new era for Punjab’s governance, strengthening the relationship between the public and its leaders.