Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Saturday that the state government, following the directions of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, has decided to absorb 2,437 apprentice trainees as assistant linemen (ALMs) in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
Decision Addresses Long-Standing Demand
Addressing a news conference, Cheema stated, "The decision addresses a long-standing demand of apprentice trainees and reflects the Bhagwant Mann government's commitment to employment generation and youth welfare. The chief minister has adopted a mission-mode approach to create employment opportunities across departments."
Cheema elaborated that the board of directors of PSPCL, acting on the advice of the advocate general of Punjab, has granted approval for the absorption of the 2,437 trainees. These individuals are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in the lineman trade within PSPCL and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL).
One-Time Measure with Mandatory Punjabi Exam
Responding to a query, Cheema clarified that this is a "one time measure." He noted, "PSPCL will conduct the mandatory Punjabi language examination for the said trainees. The examination schedule will be notified in due course on the official website of PSPCL, following which the process of absorption will be taken forward."
Broader Employment Efforts
Cheema highlighted the government's sustained efforts, stating that since April 2022, a total of 9,627 recruitments have been made in PSPCL and PSTCL. Of these, 8,048 were through direct recruitment and 1,579 on compassionate grounds. Earlier this year, chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over appointment letters to 570 candidates from various categories. Additionally, the recruitment process for approximately 3,000 more posts is currently underway and is expected to be completed by November 2026.
