Despite the Punjab Government’s policy of prohibiting officials to be appointed on higher posts, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats has appointed 10 officials to the posts of Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO).This policy was framed in compliance with orders of the Supreme Court. Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Dinanagar MLA Aruna Chaudhary had recently flagged this issue in the Vidhan Sabha.The Punjab Government, in its notification issued on March 17, has appointed 10 officials of the rank of Social Education and Panchayat Officers (SEPO), cattle fair officers and senior assistants (accounts) to the posts of BDPO.“The policy clearly states that officials can be appointed on equivalent posts and not on higher ones,” said Chaudhary.She pointed out that just 10 days ago, Yusuf Masih was promoted as a SEPO and posted in the Kahnuwan block of Gurdaspur. The official was still on his probation period when the state government handed over the charge of BDPO of the Gurdaspur block. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition had specifically raised this question in the Vidhan Sabha on March 14.However, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed her that the minister concerned was not present in the House as he wanted to make certain amendments in his reply.