Punjab Communications Limited appointed Dr. Basant Garg, IAS, as Director-cum-Chairman of the Board with effect from October 1, 2026. The appointment replaces Sh. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, IAS, following a nomination by the company's holding entity.

The nomination was made by Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Ltd., the holding company, via letter dated October 5, 2026. The Board of Directors approved the appointment through a resolution passed by circulation on October 12, 2026.

Leadership transition details

The change in management was executed under Regulation 30 read with Para A of Part A of Schedule III of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The cessation of the previous chairman was due to the withdrawal of his name by the holding company.

Professional background

Dr. Basant Garg is a 2005 batch officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He currently serves as Administrative Secretary for Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, and Promotion of Information Technology Industry in Punjab.

His prior roles include:

• Administrative Secretary, Power
• Administrative Secretary, New & Renewable Energy Sources
• Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd.
• Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd.
• Secretary, Finance
• Additional CEO, National Health Authority

Dr. Garg has also served as Private Secretary to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Director of the Employment Generation Mission Punjab.

Compliance and disclosures

The company affirmed that Dr. Garg is not debarred from holding the office of director by any SEBI order or other authority. It disclosed that Dr. Garg is related to other directors nominated or appointed by the holding company, Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Ltd.

Punjab Communications Ltd has closed its trading window for equity shares starting October 1, 2026. This closure applies to all directors, officers, designated employees, and their immediate relatives.

The restriction remains in effect until 48 hours after the conclusion of the board meeting scheduled to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. This action complies with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, and the company's internal code of conduct.

Regulatory Compliance Details

The company informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that the trading window closure is pursuant to clause 4 of Schedule B of the SEBI regulations. The notification also references BSE circular LIST/COMP/01/2019-20 dated April 2, 2019. The date of the upcoming board meeting will be intimated to stock exchanges in due course as per Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR).