Alaknanda Dayal, born on 13 June 1975, is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 2000 batch, Punjab cadre. She holds a graduate degree from Delhi University, an M.Com., and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. Currently, she serves as the Principal Secretary in the Department of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training, Punjab, since 3 March 2025. Her extensive career includes roles such as Additional Secretary, Secretary, Joint Secretary, Director, Managing Director, Labour Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Food Commissioner, Special Secretary, and Additional Chief Administrator. She is proficient in English and Hindi and continues to serve in the IAS.