NikeNuara: adding new biography

2026-04-24T10:18:06Z

adding new biography

New page

{{Short description|Indian civil servant}}
{{Promotional|date=January 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name =
| image = Title pic Gksingh.jpg
| caption = G.K.Singh, at the inauguration of [[Virasat-e-Khalsa]] [[Anandpur Sahib|Sri Anandpur Sahib]], 25 November 2011
| office = Director, Rural Development & Panchayats, [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
| term_start = 4 August 2016
| predecessor = Sukhjit Singh Bains
| office1 = Director General School Education, [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
| term_start1 = 29 June 2014
| term_end1 = 26 December 2014
| predecessor1 = Anjali Bhawra
| successor1 = Pradeep Aggarwal
| office2 = [[Deputy Commissioner]], [[Patiala]]
| term_start2 = 20 April 2012
| term_end2 = 23 May 2014
| predecessor2 = Vikas Garg
| successor2 = Varun Roojam
| office3 = [[Deputy Commissioner]], [[Ropar]]
| term_start3 = 3 April 2011
| term_end3 = 19 April 2012
| predecessor3 = Arunjit Singh Miglani
| successor3 = Pradeep Aggarwal
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1957|06|17}}
| birth_place = Jalwana, [[Sangrur]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates =
| birth_name = Gopal Krishan Singh Dhaliwal
| profession = [[Indian Administrative Services]]
| spouse = Neel Kamal Kaur Brar Dhaliwal (1988– )
| children = Rohan Bir, Kanwar Partap Bir
| alma_mater = [[Punjabi University, Patiala]]
| signature =
| signature_alt =
| website =
| footnotes =
}}

'''Gopal Krishan Singh Dhaliwal''' (born 17 June 1957) is an Indian civil servant who currently serves as Director of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats for the state of [[Punjab, India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://punjabtribune.com/news/730-gk-singh-posted-as-director-of-rural-development-and-panchayats-department.aspx|title=G.K Singh posted as Director of Rural Development and Panchayats Department|website=punjabtribune.com|access-date=30 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920050230/http://punjabtribune.com/news/730-gk-singh-posted-as-director-of-rural-development-and-panchayats-department.aspx|archive-date=20 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a 1986 batch officer of the Punjab Civil Services, and [[Indian Administrative Service]] in the year 2000.

He is the founder of an NGO, [[Village development committee (India)|Village Development Council]], Jalwana,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pindjalwana.com/history.html|title=Official Website of Village Development Council, Jalwana|access-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216210614/http://www.pindjalwana.com/history.html|archive-date=16 December 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> involved in the integrated development of backward areas of Punjab. He is also one of the founders of [[Sarbat da bhala|Sarbat Da Bhala]] Charitable Trust,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sarbatdabhalacharitabletrust.blogspot.in/|title=sarbat da bhala charitable trust patiala|website=sarbatdabhalacharitabletrust.blogspot.in}}</ref> instrumental in rehabilitation of disabled and bringing back Punjabi youth languishing in jails abroad.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/community/relief-for-punjabi-youths-on-death-row-in-dubai/357760.html|title=Relief for Punjabi youths on death row in Dubai|date=2017|work=The Tribune}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Singh was born to Sukhdev Singh Dhaliwal and Mata Gurdial Kaur in village Jalwana, [[Sangrur]] District. He received his primary education in Government Primary School, village Lohatbaddi. He completed his higher studies at [[Government Rajindra College, Bathinda]] and later did political science (honors) from [[Punjabi University|Punjabi University, Patiala]]. He earned the gold medal at the age of 20 years.

== Personal life ==

He married Neel Kamal Brar in 1988 in Bathinda. He has two sons Rohan Bir and Kanwar Partap.

== Teaching career ==
After completing his master’s degree in 1978 at the age of 21, Singh was appointed as a lecturer in the field of International Politics by the Government of Punjab. After quitting his job as an officer in the Punjab Civil Services in 1986, he taught students in Government College, [[Sri Muktsar Sahib district|Sri Mukatsar Sahib]], Patran (Patiala) and [[Malerkotla]].<ref name="newsweekindia">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweekindia.com/content/?p=10116|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131216135454/http://www.newsweekindia.com/content/?p=10116|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-12-16|title=Profile Of D.C. Rupnagar}}</ref> He has given lectures on topics concerning various social issues in colleges.

=== Punjab Civil Services and Indian Administrative Services ===
[[File:Guard of honor pic.jpg|thumb|500px|right|G.K.Singh accompanying His Excellency Sh.[[Shivraj Patil]], [[List of Governors of Punjab (India)|Governor of Punjab]], inspecting Guard of Honor at Yadavindra Public School Stadium, Patiala]]

Singh was an officer in the Punjab Civil Services. Also served as Executive Magistrate, [[Bathinda]] and, GA to DC, Faridkot. He was posted as district transport officer, [[Bathinda]] from 1991 to 1993 and regional transport authority from 1994 to 1996. During the latter stint,<ref name="newsweekindia" /> he was instrumental in organizing the annual Road Safety Awareness Week. He joined as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) in April 1996. He also served Departments of school education as Joint Secretary. He was appointed Additional Deputy Commissioner, [[Sangrur]] for a period of three years from 1999 till 2001. Singh also held the post of District Census Officer for 2001 Census Operations. He was awarded the President of India's silver medal for the same.

Singh was promoted to the [[Indian Administrative Services]] with the batch of 2001. He was posted as [http://psebea.org/node/2628 Director, Colonization, Punjab]. He joined as the Deputy Commissioner, District of Rupnagar on 5 April 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rupnagar.nic.in/html/dclist.htm|title=DEO/ADEO Information|website=rupnagar.nic.in}}</ref> During his tenure there he was instrumental in improving sanitation and greenery in the city as well as district. He was instrumental in stopping [[Sand theft|illegal sand mining]] in the area and also played in conducting free and fair elections for state assembly in 2012. He later served as [[Deputy Commissioner]] of District of [[Patiala]] in 2012. After a two-year stint in Patiala, Singh was posted as Director General School Education, Punjab looking after the primary, middle and high school education in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yespunjab.com/punjab/punjab-transfers/item/48656-punjab-transfers-eight-senior-ias-officers-transferred-gk-singh-appointed-dgse|title=Punjab Transfers : Eight Senior IAS Officers Transferred, GK Singh appointed DGSE|date=4 February 2024|access-date=31 December 2014|archive-date=31 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231090052/http://www.yespunjab.com/punjab/punjab-transfers/item/48656-punjab-transfers-eight-senior-ias-officers-transferred-gk-singh-appointed-dgse|url-status=dead}}</ref> As DGSE, Punjab he laid emphasis on student safety and took steps to prevent child abuse.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/jalandhar/dgse-issues-guidelines-to-deos-principals-on-students-safety/article1-1290157.aspx |title=DGSE issues guidelines to DEOs, principals on students' safety - Hindustan Times |access-date=31 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231094137/http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/jalandhar/dgse-issues-guidelines-to-deos-principals-on-students-safety/article1-1290157.aspx |archive-date=31 December 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He also banned phubbing by teachers during school hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/Phubbing-trouble-for-gurus/articleshow/45665090.cms|title=Phubbing trouble for gurus |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=28 December 2014 }}</ref> Singh initiated setting up of helpline to redress the public grievances related to the Department of School Education.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://suryanewsonline.com/newsdescription.aspx?Id=926|title=Toll free helpline launched by Education department in Chandigarh|work=Surya News Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320053651/http://suryanewsonline.com/newsdescription.aspx?Id=926|archive-date=20 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was instrumental in setting up the anti-Drug Awareness Campaign in school across the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/education-dept-to-make-students-aware-of-ill-effects-of-drugs/story-G4EOD7OHxQBA6p8VMLiWnJ.html|title=Education dept to make students aware of ill-effects of drugs|website=Hindustan Times|date=10 July 2014 }}</ref> Singh started the "Sohna School Campaign" and was instrumental in setting up toilets for students in all government schools as a part of the same.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/all-govt-schools-in-state-to-have-toilets-by-march-31/story-KqyrmaNW1KTWghLPMhpkRK.html|title=All Government Schools To Have Toilets by 31st March|website=Hindustan Times|date=27 September 2014 }}</ref> On 25 December 2014 he was given the charge of Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/punjab/14-ias-officers-transferred-in-punjab_1520710.html|title=14 IAS officers transferred in Punjab|date=26 December 2014}}</ref> He laid emphasis on promoting [[Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan]] improving the green belt and people's participation on joining his new assignment. During his tenure, Ludhiana was chosen as one of the 20 cities and the only city from Punjab for the implementation of Smart City Project by the Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/first-20-unveiled-ludhiana-not-chandigarh-in-first-list-of-smart-cities/|title=First 20 unveiled: Ludhiana, not Chandigarh, in first list of smart cities|date=29 January 2016}}</ref> As the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation in Ludhiana, he was instrumental in establishing the public library at Guru Nanak Bhawan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/public-library-thrown-open-at-guru-nanak-bhawan/127601.html |title=Public library thrown open at Guru Nanak Bhawan |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2015-09-02 |access-date=2018-04-10}}</ref> upgrading the two landmark greenbelts, Rakh Bagh and Rose Garden.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/mc-commissioner-gk-singh-shifted/222034.html |title=MC Commissioner GK Singh shifted |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2016-04-14 |access-date=2018-04-10}}</ref> He reopened the children's library in Ludhiana after a period of 16 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/Reading-gets-a-boost-childrens-library-opens/articleshow/49869004.cms|title=Reading gets a boost, children's library opens |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=21 November 2015 }}</ref> During his tenure in Ludhiana, the city moved to rank 34 from rank 381 in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan rankings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/Ludhiana-is-34th-in-countrywide-Swachh-Bharat-rankings/articleshow/50998527.cms|title=Ludhiana is 34th in country wide Bharat rankings|newspaper=Times of India|date=15 February 2016 }}</ref> He was deputed as Director, Rural Development and Panchayats, for the state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] in August 2016. He initiated scoring and honouring system for best [[Panchayats]] in the state on every Independence Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://punjabnewsexpress.com/punjab/news/three-punjab-panchayts-honoured-on-on-independence-day-52337.aspx|title=Three Punjab Panchayts honoured on independence Day|website=punjabnewsexpress.com}}</ref>

==Awards and honors==
[[File:Certificate of Recognition by House of Commons, Canada.png|thumb|Certificate of Recognition presented to G.K.Singh by Hon.Gurbax Singh Malhi on behalf of the [[House of Commons of Canada]]|left]]
# President of India Silver Medal for Census Operations, 2001
# Commendation Certificate by the [[House of Commons of Canada|House of Commons, Canada]] by MP Hon. [[Gurbax Singh Malhi]]
# Certificate of Honor by Ms.[[Susan Fennell|Susan Fenell]] [[Mayor of Brampton]], Canada.
# Certificate of Honor by the [[Legislative Assembly of Alberta]] by MPP Mr.[[Darshan Kang]]
# Certificate of Honor by the [[Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]]

== Village Development Council ==

The residents of village Jalwana under his leadership, along with the support of diaspora, founded the Village Development Council on 13 April 1999.
In the very first gathering of the village, a target was set to make it a model village by achieving the following 8 targets:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pindjalwana.com/vdc--its-targets.html|title=Village Development Council Targets and Achievements|access-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182510/http://www.pindjalwana.com/vdc--its-targets.html|archive-date=16 December 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
# Construction of the village periphery road having a length of 1.25 km.
# Redesigning the water drains and connecting them to Tallewal drain
# Construction of a modern Old Age Home for village elders
# Developing the village [[cremation ground]].
# Street lighting of all village streets and periphery roads and ensuring 24 hour electricity supply
# Building up of peaceful mutual brotherhood conducive to development of entire village
# Providing a strong financial support to brilliant students for higher studies.
# Steps towards mutual co-operation for removal of unemployment.
[[File:GovVisit.jpg|thumb|Erstwhile [[List of Governors of Punjab (India)|Governor of Punjab]] General [[J. F. R. Jacob]] (Retd.) during his visit to Village Jalwana, declaring it the "Millenium Model Village" |308x308px]]
Within a year the council was successful in achieving 6 of the above given targets. While carrying out these developments of projects the people's participation in all the activities was a great example for the surrounding areas.
They not only contributed in terms of money but physically participated in all these activities. Whether it was the construction of village circular road, redesigning of village drains, development of village cremation ground and construction of mourners' shed or planting ornamental trees on the periphery of the village. It was the mutual co-operation and peoples participation which provided strength to their efforts and created an environment of mutual brotherhood in the village.

This village was the first in the district to have streetlights in all areas. Halogen lamps and electric tubes were installed along the periphery and streets. Residents have associated the lighting with efforts to address illiteracy and social issues. Few criminal cases have been reported from the village in the last 15 years.

The Governor of Punjab His Excellency [[J. F. R. Jacob|Gen. J. F. R. Jacob]] declared it a "Millennium Village" on his maiden visit to the place.

== Columnist ==

[[File:On Radio Talk Show RED FM, Surrey B.C.,Canada.jpg|thumb|175px|G.K.Singh along with philanthropist S.P.Singh Oberoi during a radio talk show hosted by RED FM, [[Surrey, British Columbia|Surrey B.C.]]]]

Singh has also worked as regular columnist for leading Punjabi newspapers in India and Canada namely [[Gurmat Parkash]], [[Punjabi Tribune]], [[Daily Ajit]], Indo Canadian Times, Desh Sewak, Desh Videsh Times on various social issues plaguing Punjab. He has presented talks on [[All India Radio]], Jalandhar, Red FM, Surrey B.C. As the Deputy Commissioner, Patiala and the ex-officio chairman of the District Child Welfare Council, he launched the magazine, "Balpreet", consisting of contributions by the school children and is circulated in all government and private schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/state-s-first-child-magazine-launched-in-patiala/story-sxHevdWe94G2bkCC2qQ2KI.html|title=State's first child magazine launched in Patiala|website=Hindustan Times|date=13 February 2013 }}</ref> He is also the advisor and founder member of "Saade Pind" magazine published by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Govt. of Punjab, consisting of articles to enlighten farmers about the latest farming practices and overall rural development. His articles and literature about Sikhism has been cited multiple times by the Head Granthi of Sri [[Harimandir Sahib]] during the [[Katha (storytelling format)|katha]] of the [[Hukamnama|Daily Hukamnama]] from [[Manji Sahib]].

{{clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, G.K.}}
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian Administrative Service officers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian civil servants|G.K.Singh]]
[[Category:People from Sangrur district]]
[[Category:People from Ludhiana district]]
[[Category:Indian political scientists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:People from Chandigarh]]
[[Category:Illegal mining in India]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian educators]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian educators]]
[[Category:Indian social workers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian civil servants]]

G. K. Singh - Revision history

NikeNuara: adding new biography