- Shri Daljit Singh Mangat is a senior IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, batch of 2005, currently serving as Divisional Commissioner of Patiala and Secretary Lokpal, Punjab, as of March 2025.
- His career includes roles like Deputy Commissioner, Secretary for Planning and Housing & Urban Development, and Divisional Commissioner of Ferozepur, showcasing his administrative expertise.
- Research suggests he is respected for integrity and public service, notably during events like releasing a former IAS officer’s autobiography, highlighting his commitment to ethical governance.
Career Overview
Shri Daljit Singh Mangat’s journey in the IAS began in 2005 after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, preparing him for a career in public administration. Over the years, he has held various positions, starting as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and progressing to Deputy Commissioner in multiple Punjab districts. His roles have focused on law and order, revenue, and development, ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level.
Key Roles and Contributions
Shri Mangat has served as Divisional Commissioner for both Ferozepur and Patiala divisions, overseeing multiple districts and coordinating state policies. He also held secretarial positions, including Secretary, Planning, where he shaped development plans, and Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, contributing to urban infrastructure. As of March 2025, he is Divisional Commissioner of Patiala and Secretary Lokpal, playing a crucial role in anti-corruption efforts.
Cultural Engagement
Beyond administration, Shri Mangat has engaged in cultural activities, such as releasing the autobiography of former IAS officer Dr. Harkesh Singh Sidhu in July 2024, praising Dr. Sidhu’s commitment to truth and justice, which reflects his own values in public service .
Detailed Biography of Shri Daljit Singh Mangat, IAS
Shri Daljit Singh Mangat is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Punjab cadre, belonging to the 2005 batch. His career, spanning over two decades, is marked by a series of significant administrative roles that highlight his dedication to public service, governance, and development. This survey note provides a detailed examination of his professional journey, contributions, and current responsibilities, drawing on available information to present a comprehensive profile.
Background and Entry into IAS
Shri Daljit Singh Mangat’s entry into the IAS came through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination in 2005, one of India’s most competitive exams. Following his selection, he underwent foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie. This training equipped him with the necessary skills in public administration, policy implementation, and leadership, setting the stage for his subsequent roles in Punjab.
Early Career and Field Postings
Shri Mangat began his career as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), a role that involved overseeing local administration, law and order, and development activities at the sub-divisional level. His tenure as SDM was marked by his ability to handle administrative challenges efficiently and his empathetic approach towards public grievances. Over time, he progressed to the position of Deputy Commissioner in various districts of Punjab. As Deputy Commissioner, he was responsible for the overall administration of the district, including revenue collection, law enforcement, and the implementation of state and central government schemes. His work in these roles was characterized by a focus on improving public services and ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level.
Advancement to Divisional Commissioner
Shri Mangat’s career saw significant advancement when he was appointed as Divisional Commissioner, first for the Ferozepur Division and later for the Patiala Division. As Divisional Commissioner, he oversaw the administration of multiple districts within the division, ensuring coordination between different departments and the effective implementation of state government policies. This role required strategic oversight, crisis management, and the ability to align local administration with state development goals. His tenure in these positions was noted for his administrative acumen and commitment to public welfare.
Secretarial Roles and Policy Contributions
In addition to his field postings, Shri Mangat has served in key secretarial roles at the Punjab state secretariat. He was appointed as Secretary, Planning, where he played a pivotal role in formulating and monitoring the state’s development plans. His work in this capacity involved analyzing economic data, setting development priorities, and ensuring that plans were aligned with the needs of Punjab’s citizens. He also held the additional charge of Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, contributing to policies aimed at improving urban infrastructure, housing schemes, and urban governance. These roles highlighted his strategic vision and ability to influence state-level policy-making.
Current Responsibilities as of March 2025
As of the current date, March 23, 2025, Shri Daljit Singh Mangat serves as the Divisional Commissioner of Patiala, a position he has held with distinction . In this role, he oversees the administration of the Patiala division, ensuring effective governance and the implementation of state policies across the region. Additionally, he holds the charge of Secretary Lokpal, Punjab, a critical role in the state’s anti-corruption framework. The Lokpal is an ombudsman responsible for investigating allegations of corruption against public servants, and Shri Mangat’s involvement in this role underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability in public administration .
Notable Contributions and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Shri Mangat has been recognized for his administrative expertise and dedication to public service. His work in various districts and departments has left a lasting impact on Punjab’s governance and development. One notable instance of his involvement beyond administration was his participation in the release of the autobiography of former IAS officer Dr. Harkesh Singh Sidhu in July 2024. During this event, Shri Mangat praised Dr. Sidhu’s commitment to truth and justice, reflecting his own values as a public servant. This engagement highlights his respect within the service and his appreciation for literature and public service narratives.
His colleagues and subordinates respect him for his fairness, approachability, and unwavering commitment to ethical governance. His ability to handle multiple responsibilities with efficiency and his focus on improving public services have made him a respected figure in the Punjab administration.
Personal Attributes and Cultural Engagement
Outside of his professional commitments, Shri Mangat is known for his simplicity and humility. He is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage and is respected for his integrity and dedication to his family and community. His participation in cultural events, such as the book release, indicates an interest in promoting Punjabi literature and enriching the state’s cultural fabric. These personal attributes complement his professional persona, making him a role model for aspiring civil servants.
Career Highlights and Transfers
Shri Mangat’s career has seen several notable transfers and postings, reflecting his versatility and the trust placed in him by the Punjab government. In 2021, he was posted as Secretary, Planning, and additionally as Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, before being transferred to Secretary, Planning, with additional charge as Commissioner, Ferozepur Division . In 2024, he was given additional charge as Secretary Lokpal, relieving Amrit Singh, while retaining his position as Commissioner of Patiala Division . These transfers underscore his ability to adapt to diverse roles and contribute to different facets of governance.
Potential for Future Roles
In August 2024, Shri Mangat was part of a panel of three IAS officers from the 2005 batch sent to the Chandigarh administration for the post of finance secretary, alongside Basant Garg and Diprava Lakra . This nomination highlights his seniority and the confidence in his administrative capabilities for high-level financial and policy roles, though no further updates on this were available as of March 2025.
Summary Table of Key Positions
| Year | Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | IAS Officer, Punjab Cadre | Selected through UPSC, trained at LBSNAA |
| Early Career | Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | Handled local administration and public grievances |
| Various | Deputy Commissioner, Multiple Districts | Oversaw district administration, development |
| 2021 | Secretary, Planning | Formulated and monitored state development plans |
| 2021 | Secretary, Housing & Urban Development | Contributed to urban infrastructure policies |
| 2021-2024 | Divisional Commissioner, Ferozepur | Oversaw multiple districts, coordinated policies |
| 2024-Present | Divisional Commissioner, Patiala | Current role, effective governance of division |
| 2024-Present | Secretary Lokpal, Punjab | Anti-corruption ombudsman, ensures accountability |
Conclusion
Shri Daljit Singh Mangat’s career is a testament to the impact that dedicated public servants can have on society. From his early days as an SDM to his current roles as Divisional Commissioner of Patiala and Secretary Lokpal, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in governance. His contributions to public administration, development planning, and anti-corruption efforts have left a lasting legacy in Punjab, inspiring many to pursue careers in public service with the same zeal and commitment.