Punjab PR Department Promotions: Ishwinder Singh Grewal, Manvinder Singh Elevated as Joint Directors
Major Reshuffle Approved by Minister Harjot Singh Bains Enhances Leadership in Public Relations Department
Chandigarh, May 16, 2025 — In a key administrative development, the Punjab Information and Public Relations (PR) Department has promoted eight senior officers, including the elevation of two Deputy Directors to the post of Joint Director and six other officials to the rank of Deputy Director.
The promotions, approved by Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains, were formally announced following the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings held on May 8. The appointment orders were issued today and are already in effect.
Who’s Promoted?
Promoted to Joint Director:
- Ishwinder Singh Grewal – Posted at the Head Office in Chandigarh
- Manvinder Singh – Appointed as Joint Director Press/Chief Minister, with additional charge of Border Range Amritsar
These strategic postings place both officers at the heart of Punjab’s media and public communication machinery. Grewal’s placement at the headquarters reflects a leadership role in overseeing statewide operations, while Manvinder Singh’s dual responsibility underscores his pivotal role in managing both press relations and sensitive regional outreach.
Promoted to Deputy Director:
Six officials, including five Information and Public Relations Officers (IPROs) and one Art Executive, have been promoted to Deputy Director:
- Ruchi Kalra – Posted to Bathinda
- Rashim Verma – Posted at the Head Office, with additional charge of Sri Anandpur Sahib
- Navdeep Singh Gill – Posted at the Head Office, Chandigarh
- Prabhdeep Singh Kauldhar – Posted at the Head Office, with additional charge of Sangrur
- Hakam Thaper – Posted to Jalandhar
- Hardeep Singh – Posted at the Head Office
Strengthening the PR Backbone of Punjab
The move aims to bolster the operational efficiency of the department and enhance communication and public engagement across Punjab. These promotions also come at a time when the state is emphasizing transparency, effective media relations, and proactive information dissemination.
“This reshuffle is not just about designations. It’s about strengthening the state’s communication apparatus and acknowledging dedicated service,” said a senior official from the PR Department.
These appointments place experienced professionals at critical regional and central positions, where they will oversee media strategy, press releases, public messaging, event coordination, and government outreach programs.
Officers Assume Charge and Express Gratitude
Following the official announcement, all newly promoted officers reported to Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Ramvir, and formally joined their new postings.
They expressed their gratitude to Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the department’s senior leadership, acknowledging the faith placed in their capabilities and promising to continue their service with dedication.
“I am deeply honoured by the promotion and will strive to further strengthen government-public communication,” said Deputy Director Ruchi Kalra, now posted in Bathinda.
What This Means for Punjab’s Public Outreach
This round of promotions is expected to inject new energy into the department, enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to media developments and public concerns. With postings across key districts and responsibilities in both regional and capital offices, the department is now better positioned to manage:
- Timely press communication
- Effective crisis management
- Public awareness campaigns
- Strategic event coverage and content creation