The Government of Punjab on August 10, 2026, notified the Punjab Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, further to amend the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
The following has been stated: -
•The Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 has been amended to introduce the Panchayat Development Secretary (PDS) as the executive head of one or more Gram Panchayats, appointed by the State Government.
•The PDS will provide legal and administrative guidance, coordinate with the Rural Development and Panchayats Department, and be responsible for Panchayat properties and records.
•References to “Panchayat Secretary” and “Secretary” have been replaced with “Panchayat Development Secretary” across various provisions.
•The existing Panchayat Secretaries Service is declared a dying cadre, with employees who do not opt for merger continuing under existing terms until retirement, resignation, death, or removal/dismissal.
It shall come into force on and with effect from August 10, 2026.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: 18-PLA-2026/39]
