The Punjab government has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the resignation of former IAS officer Parampal Kaur Sidhu, paving the way for her nomination as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency.
This decision comes shortly after the state government initially rejected Sidhu's request for voluntary retirement from service (VRS).
Sources revealed, that along with the NOC, Sidhu has also been provided with a 'no dues' certificate, indicating clearance of outstanding government dues. This development brings a sense of relief to Sidhu, who is gearing up to file her nomination papers for the upcoming June 1 Lok Sabha elections.
A state government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the Centre had previously approved Sidhu's resignation and subsequently sought the state government's comments and NOC through a letter dispatched on Friday.
"After receiving the Centre's approval, the state government initiated the process of granting the NOC, thereby clearing all obstacles for Parampal to file her nomination papers," stated a senior official of the state government.
Confirming the issuance of the 'no dues' certificate, Sidhu expressed her dismay at the hurdles created by the AAP-led Punjab government in her path to filing nominations.
She highlighted instances where VRS was granted to officers contesting elections from various political parties, emphasizing the disparity in treatment in her case.
"I am disheartened by the unnecessary delays caused by the Punjab government. While VRS was readily granted to others, I faced unwarranted challenges. Nevertheless, I am committed to serving the people of Bathinda," said the BJP candidate.
It's worth noting that Sidhu will not be entitled to benefits under the VRS scheme following her resignation.
Earlier attempts by Sidhu to secure VRS were met with rejection by the state government, citing alleged falsification of grounds.
Despite formal relief granted by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the state government insisted she resume her duties.
In light of potential hurdles in obtaining a no-due certificate for government dues, Sidhu proactively tendered her resignation from the IAS on May 8.
"To preempt any confusion, I submitted my resignation. I am pleased to hear that it has been accepted," she said, expressing frustration over the delay in receiving the necessary clearance.
Parampal Kaur Sidhu, a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service officer and daughter-in-law of Akali Dal leader Sikandar Singh Maluka, officially joined the BJP in Delhi on April 11, marking her foray into active politics.
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