The North News
Chandigarh, March 31
The Punjab administration is set to bid farewell to one of its stalwart civil servants. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, a 2005 batch IAS officer and Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department, is retiring after an illustrious career spanning 33 years on March 31. His departure marks the end of an era of steadfast governance, a journey that has left an indelible mark on Punjab’s bureaucratic landscape.
Born into a family of intellectuals in Patiala, Jaggi was nurtured in an environment where learning and discipline were paramount. His father, Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi, an eminent Sikh scholar, was recently conferred the Padma Shri for his literary contributions. This rich academic heritage instilled in Malwinder Singh Jaggi a deep commitment to public service from an early age. After completing his schooling in Patiala, he pursued engineering at the esteemed Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana.
Jaggi’s foray into civil service began in 1992 when he cleared the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) examination, earning a place among the state’s top administrative officers. His diligence and acumen propelled him to the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre in 2005. Over the years, he helmed key positions, including SDM of Ludhiana, ADC of Fatehgarh Sahib, Mansa, and Pathankot, and Commissioner of the Ludhiana and Amritsar Municipal Corporations. His tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Faridkot remains particularly noteworthy, with residents still recalling his instrumental role in organizing the Baba Sheikh Farid festival—an event that brought global recognition to the historic district.
Jaggi’s strength lay in his ability to connect with people while maintaining administrative efficiency. He was known for his pragmatic approach to governance, prioritizing citizen concerns and streamlining government processes. His field postings were marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and responsiveness, ensuring that public grievances were addressed swiftly and effectively.
Beyond his field assignments, Jaggi held critical roles at the state headquarters. As the Chief Executive Officer of the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he orchestrated large-scale events across Punjab and beyond, ensuring seamless execution of religious and historical commemorations. His adept handling of logistics, coordination with various stakeholders, and deep understanding of cultural sensitivities earned him widespread acclaim.
Jaggi’s administrative prowess extended across multiple departments. As Director of Transport, Social Security and Justice, Culture and Tourism, and Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, he played a key role in policy implementation and infrastructural development. His tenure as Chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) was marked by decisive reforms aimed at regulating Punjab’s real estate sector. Furthermore, as Secretary of Public Works, Civil Aviation, Animal Husbandry, and Labour Departments, he demonstrated his ability to navigate complex bureaucratic challenges with efficiency and foresight.
As he steps away from public service, Malwinder Singh Jaggi leaves behind a legacy of dedication, administrative acumen, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of Punjab’s citizens. His career serves as a testament to the impact that a resolute and compassionate bureaucrat can have on governance. While his official role may be concluding, his contributions to Punjab’s development will resonate for years to come.
