Patiala, Jan 22: Varjit Walia, a 2018 batch IAS officer, assumed charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala on Thursday, succeeding Dr. Preeti Yadav.
The transition follows the transfer of Dr. Yadav, who has been appointed as the Managing Director of Markfed.
Upon his arrival at the District Administrative Complex, Walia received a Guard of Honor from a Patiala Police contingent before being welcomed by senior administrative and police officials.
The new Deputy Commissioner noted that his primary focus will be the punctual execution of development projects throughout the district.
He stated that his administration will work to align with the state government’s objectives to ensure welfare schemes are accessible to all residents.
“My main priority will be to complete the ongoing development works in the district in a time-bound manner as per the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and to ensure that the benefits of all the flagship schemes reach the grassroots level,” Walia said.
Walia also mentioned that he intends to focus on health and education reforms, alongside the broader mission of creating a drug-free environment.
He noted that providing transparent and efficient government services remains a key goal of his tenure.
“The Punjab Government’s dream of creating a drug-free Punjab and a colorful Punjab, along with further improvements in the health and education sectors, are also among my priorities,” he added.
An alumnus of IIT Delhi with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Walia previously served as the Deputy Commissioner in Rupnagar. His professional background includes roles as Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, ADC in Sangrur, and SDM in Barnala. Following the official proceedings, Walia visited Gurdwara Sri Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Mandir Mata Sri Kali Devi to pay his respects.
