Squadron Leader Gaurav Malik Steps Down as Punjab Governor's ADC to Join Private Sector

Squadron Leader Gaurav Malik, who served as the Aide-de-Camp (Military) to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, has been relieved of his duties, according to a report by the Indian Express. Malik is slated to join a real estate firm based in Punjab. This marks the second resignation from the ADC (Military) post in the last 30 months.

Since assuming the role in August 2024 after a transfer from Assam, Malik resigned a few weeks ago, with his formal release taking place on Saturday. Sources revealed that Malik, who is part of the Short Service Commission, had approximately a year left in his tenure.

In an interview with The Sunday Express, Malik cited personal reasons for his decision. “Yes, I have been relieved today. I had resigned due to family reasons. My parents are getting old, which is why I need to be with them,” he explained. He also mentioned that his family resides in Haryana, while his in-laws are in Gurgaon, and he plans to relocate there.

Malik dismissed any notions of a conflict of interest arising from his transition to a private sector role within the same state. “There is nothing like that. We [ADCs] only fix appointments and tour programmes of the Governor,” he clarified.

Nevertheless, senior officials expressed some concerns. A source close to the situation indicated that the sensitive nature of the ADC’s role at Punjab Lok Bhavan made his move to a lucrative position in the private sector a point of concern. The source also mentioned that Malik was advised to reconsider his decision.

Another senior officer highlighted that while it's common for defence personnel to seek private employment after their Short Service Commission or retirement, the timing and nature of Malik’s move have attracted attention.

Malik's resignation follows a similar transition by his predecessor, Squadron Leader Amit Tiwari. Tiwari had served as ADC (Military) to former Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, moving from Tamil Nadu to Punjab in September 2021. He later took on the role of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Governor Kataria in January 2024.

Tiwari, also part of the Short Service Commission, had previously mentioned that after completing his service with the Indian Air Force, he explored opportunities with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation before accepting the OSD position. He noted that it is not uncommon for officers under similar circumstances to pursue careers in the private sector. Additionally, the Punjab Governor holds the position of Administrator for the Union Territory of Chandigarh.