Non-Existent Department Controversy: AAP Faces Criticism

Opposition parties criticized AAP after Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal reportedly held charge of a non-existent department for nearly 21 months. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted this issue during a literary festival, questioning the governance seriousness of the AAP government. Dhaliwal retains the NRI Affairs portfolio.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticized the AAP government, particularly highlighting Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal's management of a non-existent department for almost 21 months. This revelation surfaced during the Delhi University Literary Festival, sparking a debate over governance practices.

According to a Punjab government notification, Dhaliwal has only the NRI Affairs portfolio left, as the Administrative Reforms department he managed did not exist. Despite this, no staff or meetings were allocated to the fake department, leading to questions about administrative efficiency.

The discovery has given opposition parties a chance to question AAP's commitment to serious governance. Dhaliwal acquired his administrative role in May 2023 after a cabinet reshuffle, at which point he lost the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare portfolio to Gurmeet Singh Khuddian.

(With inputs from agencies.)