Squadron Leader Gaurav Malik, Aide-de-Camp (Military) to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, was relieved of his duties on Saturday as reported by Indian Express. He is expected to join a Punjab-based real estate developer. The development marks the second instance of an ADC (Military) departing the position within the past 30 months.
Malik, who had been serving in the role since August 2024 after moving from Assam, submitted his resignation a few weeks prior. His release was effected on Saturday. Sources indicated that he belongs to the Short Service Commission and had nearly one year of service remaining.
Speaking to The Sunday Express, Malik attributed his decision to personal circumstances. “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 stated. He further clarified that his family is based in Haryana, with his in-laws in Gurgaon, and that he intends to settle with them.
Squadron Leader Malik rejected suggestions of any conflict of interest arising from his move to the private sector in the same state. “There is nothing like that. We [ADCs] only fix appointments and tour programmes of the Governor,” he said.
However, senior officials privy to the matter expressed reservations. One highly placed source noted that the sensitive nature of the ADC’s position in the Punjab Lok Bhavan made the transition to a lucrative private-sector role in the same state a matter of concern. The source added that Malik had been advised to reconsider the decision.
Another senior officer observed that while defence personnel frequently take up private employment after completing their Short Service Commission or upon retirement, the timing and nature of this particular move had drawn attention.
The departure follows a similar transition involving Malik’s predecessor, Squadron Leader Amit Tiwari. Tiwari had served as ADC (Military) to then-Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, having moved from Tamil Nadu to Punjab in September 2021. He assumed the position of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Governor Kataria in January 2024.
Tiwari, also a Short Service Commission officer, had previously stated that he completed his tenure with the Indian Air Force and had explored other opportunities, including with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, before taking up the OSD role. He noted that it is common for officers in similar circumstances to seek positions in the private sector. The Punjab Governor concurrently serves as the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
