Big News: Former IAS Officer to Join Akali Dal
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, March 18, 2026: The trend of bureaucrats entering politics continues in Punjab. According to the latest information,
1993-Batch West Bengal Cadre Rtd IAS Officer KJS Cheema (Kanwaljeet Singh Cheema) is set to join the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal will formally induct him into the party tomorrow at 10 AM at the Akali Dal office in Chandigarh.
K J S Cheema had also served on deputation as Special Principal Secretary to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for a considerable period.
KJS Cheema (Kanwaljeet Singh Cheema)
1993-Batch IAS Officer, West Bengal Cadre
Personal Profile
KJS Cheema is a senior administrative officer who has served in various high-profile roles across the West Bengal and Punjab governments. His career highlights include:
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Principal Secretary, Sunderban Affairs Department: Overseeing administrative and developmental projects in the Sunderban region.
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Principal Secretary, Tribal Development: Leading initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of tribal communities in West Bengal.
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State Editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers: Responsible for the documentation and publication of state records.
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Special Principal Secretary (Punjab): Served a prolonged deputation in Punjab starting in 2007, where he was a key administrative figure as the Special Principal Secretary to the then Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal.
Deputation and Repatriation
Cheema’s tenure in Punjab became a subject of significant administrative discussion. Following a decade-long stint in the state, he was repatriated to his parent cadre (West Bengal) in 2017.
The transition was marked by administrative friction, including a show-cause notice issued by the West Bengal government in 2017 regarding an unauthorized absence following his release from the Punjab government. This followed disputes regarding the legality of his extended stay outside his home cadre.