PUNJAB SC COMMISSION CHAIRMAN MEETS GOVERNOR, SEEKS STRONGER COORDINATION FOR WELFARE OF SCHEDULED CASTES COMMUNITIES
Chandigarh, November 10:Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi called on Punjab Governor Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Bhawan, here today.
Accompanied by Commission Members Sh. Rupinder Singh Sheetal, Sh. Gulzar Singh Bobby and Sh. Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, the Chairman held detailed deliberations on matters concerning the welfare, empowerment and socio-economic upliftment of the Scheduled Castes in the state of Punjab.
During the interaction, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi informed the Governor that as per the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Caste population in Punjab stood at 32 per cent. He further highlighted that with a average growth rate of 26 per cent recorded between 2001 and 2011, the present population share of Scheduled Castes in the state has risen to nearly 38 per cent in 2025.
The Chairman discussed in depth the challenges of the community and sought the Governor’s guidance and support to ensure more effective implementation of welfare schemes, educational initiatives and employment opportunities for Scheduled Caste youth.
Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria appreciated the initiatives of the Commission and stressed the need to strengthen coordination between Raj Bhawan and the Commission to further the cause of social justice and equality.
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Punjab Eases Process for Power Connections; Self-Certification Introduced for Consumers Up to 50 kW Load, Says Sanjeev Arora
Selection of 2,600 Apprentices (Interns) in Lineman Trade Completed; Training to Begin Soon
Total number of new recruitments since April 2022 has risen to 8,984, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities
Chandigarh, November 10:Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora has announced that the selection process for 2,600 Apprentices (Interns) in the Lineman trade—including 2,500 for Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and 100 for Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL)—has been successfully completed.
Arora emphasized that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to strengthen PSPCL and PSTCL, both in terms of manpower and technical efficiency. He pointed out that with the recent appointment of 2,106 (including 2,023 Assistant Linemen, 48 Internal Auditors, and 35 Revenue Accountants), the total number of new recruitments since April 2022 has risen to 8,984, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities and improving the state’s power infrastructure.
In a major pro-consumer reform aimed at promoting the “Ease of Doing Business,” Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora announced that the state government has simplified procedures for obtaining new power connections and for changes in load capacity.
Highlighting the move, Arora said that under the new system, applicants or consumers seeking new connections or alterations in load up to 50 kW under the LT (Low Tension) category will not be required to submit any test report from a licensed electrical contractor or any self-certification/signed document for the electrical installation of the premises. Instead, there will be a declaration in the online application form wherein the applicant will give declaration “That the internal wiring at the premises has been got executed and tested by a Licensed Electrical Contractor/Designated Officer of the Govt. and test certificate is available with the applicant.” Pertinently, total connections in PSPCL (except AP) with load below 50KW are above 99.5%.
For consumers with loads above 50 kW on LT supply, submission of a test report will remain mandatory, but PSPCL officials will not be required to verify such reports. Similarly, for all new HT (High Tension) and EHT (Extra High Tension) applicants, the inspection report by the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) will continue to be compulsory; however, submission of the test report will no longer be necessary, he added.
Arora added that in the category of existing HT/EHT consumers seeking load extension, the CEI inspection will only be required when a new transformer is installed. In all other cases, CEI certification will not be required. He emphasized that this decision would cut down procedural delays, enhance transparency, and enable faster release of connections.
Arora said that the verification of test report submitted (wherever applicable) through licensed electrical contractor by the applicant / consumer for availing new connection/ additional load/demand/change of name etc. is not to be carried out by PSPCL.
The Power Minister reiterated that safety compliance remains a top priority. All existing HT/EHT consumers will continue to undergo annual inspections by the CEI to ensure adherence to safety norms.
He added that these instructions shall not be applicable for AP (Agricultural Power) category consumers.
Calling the reform a progressive step toward efficiency and trust-based governance, Arora said it aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of providing consumer-friendly, transparent, and time-bound public services in Punjab.
He said that as PSPCL now has a workforce of about 30,000 employees, it falls under the mandatory purview of the Apprentices Act, 1961, which requires every establishment with 30 or more employees to engage Apprentices (Interns) within a range of 2.5% to 15% of the total manpower. In line with this, PSPCL has completed the selection of Apprentices (Interns) for the 2025–26 financial year, ensuring compliance with national standards while creating pathways for youth skill development and future employment.
For the one-year Apprenticeship Training in Lineman Trade, eligible candidates must have passed Matriculation, possess Punjabi language knowledge up to Matric level, and hold an ITI qualification in Electrician or Wireman trade. The selection process is conducted through a Computer Based Test (CBT), following which the selected candidates are deputed to various divisions for practical and theoretical training as per the approved schedule. They will be paid Rs. 7700 per month stipend during training period.
The Power Minister informed that during FY 2023–24, 1,500 Apprentices (Interns) had successfully completed their training in October 2024. Building on that success, the new batch will undergo an intensive 52-week training programme designed to impart both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
The training curriculum begins with essential safety and technical lessons—covering the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid techniques, and safe working practices on high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) lines. In subsequent weeks, trainees will learn measurement of voltage, current, and resistance, installation and maintenance of HT/LT lines, cable jointing, earthing systems, and meter installations. Advanced modules include fault detection, transformer maintenance, patrolling of lines, and emergency response after storms or rains.
During the training, Apprentices (Interns) will work under the supervision of experienced PSPCL employees, maintaining daily diaries checked weekly by their supervisors. Upon successful completion, candidates will be evaluated through both theoretical and practical assessments, after which certificates will be issued by the National Apprenticeship Council (NAC), New Delhi.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Arora said, “This apprenticeship programme not only equips Punjab’s youth with specialized technical skills but also creates a direct pipeline of trained manpower for the power sector. It ensures that our young workforce is job-ready, efficient, and capable of meeting future challenges.”
He added that the successful completion of apprenticeship training in the Lineman trade serves as the basic eligibility criterion for the post of Assistant Lineman (ALM) in PSPCL—thus offering Apprentices (Interns) a clear and merit-based career progression within the power sector.
Sh. Basant Garg IAS Secretary Power was also present during this press conference.
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SSP KAPURTHALA SUBMITS STATUS REPORT TO PUNJAB SC COMMISSION IN CONNECTION WITH DEROGATORY REMARKS AGAINST LATE BUTA SINGH
MEDIA RECORD HANDED OVER BY COMPLAINANT TO POLICE FOR FORENSIC EXAMINATION
COMMISSION SEEKS FRESH POLICE REPORT ON RAJA WARRING CASE BY NOVEMBER 19
PRATAP SINGH BAJWA DIRECTED TO APPEAR PERSONALLY ON NOVEMBER 19 IN IMAGE DISRESPECT CASE
Chandigarh, November 10:In the matter concerning derogatory remarks made by Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring about former Union Minister Late Sardar Buta Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala today submitted a status report to the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission.
During the hearing, Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi inquired about the arrest of Raja Warring. DSP Hargurdev Singh, representing the SSP Kapurthala, informed the Commission that the statement of the complainant Sh. Sarabjot Singh has been recorded and his caste certificate obtained. The officer further informed that the media record provided by the complainant has also been collected for forensic examination.
The Commission has sought another report from the police regarding further action in the Raja Warring case by November 19. The Chairman has also directed the police to submit weekly updates on the progress of the investigation.
In another case related to the disrespect of the image of Bhai Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Advocate Arvind Singh Sachdeva from Punjab and Haryana High Court appeared before the Commission on behalf of Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa and requested an adjournment, citing the ongoing bye-election in Tarn Taran.
Accepting the request, Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi directed Pratap Singh Bajwa to appear personally before the Commission on November 19.
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Paid holiday declared on November 11 for voting in the Tarn Taran bye-election
Chandigarh, 10 November:For the bye-election of the Punjab Legislative Assembly constituency Tarn Taran, voting will take place on November 11, 2025 (Tuesday). On this day, keeping the election in view, a local holiday has been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, for all government offices, boards/corporations, and educational institutions located in the Tarn Taran constituency.
As per the notification issued by the Punjab Government, if any government officer/employee is a voter of the Tarn Taran constituency and works in Punjab's government offices, boards/corporations, or government educational institutions, they can avail a special leave to cast their vote by presenting their voter ID card to the concerned authority. This leave will not be deducted from their leave account. This has also been declared as paid leave under Section 135-B (1) of the Representation of People Act, 1951. This leave is applicable to all employees working in industrial establishments, businesses, trades, shops, or other institutions who are eligible to vote on the day of the bye-election.
Additionally, under Section 28 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, a holiday has also been declared for all workers, who are voters of the Taran Tarn constituency, employed in industrial establishments and shops within the constituency. Therefore, employees eligible to vote cannot be called in to work on the day of voting.
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HARJOT SINGH BAINS LAUNCHES SCHOOL EDUCATION MODULE ON LIFE & UNPARALLELED SACRIFICE OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI
• Move aims to instill values of righteousness, truth & justice in students from Nursery to Class 12th in all Schools, says Education Minister
• Urges DCs & other senior officials to visit schools for motivating students
Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 10:As a part of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary commemorations, the Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Monday, launched a mandatory Education Module in all the schools, including Government, Private & Aided affiliated to all Education Boards, from Nursery to class 12th to instill values of righteousness, truth and justice in students.
S. Harjot Singh Bains today visited two schools, including Government High School, Dasgran and Mount Carmel School, Jindwari, in Rupnagar district, sharing Ninth Guru Sahib Ji’s teachings, life and unparalleled sacrifice with students. He urged all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and other senior officials to follow the suit to motivate students and reinforce the importance of the Guru Sahib’s legacy.
While addressing the gathering, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the Punjab School Education Board developed the education module, vetted by SGPC. The education module, carrying out till November 30, 2025 (except Holidays), includes a 10-12 minute morning assembly segment on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life, martyrdom, Mata Gujri Ji's life and the creation of Khalsa Panth, besides organising special lectures, poetry recitations, speech competitions, essay writing and distribution of historical books, aiming to deeply ingrain the Ninth Guru Sahib Ji’s values in young minds.
The initiative goes beyond history lessons, focusing on character building and instilling strong human values in the youth, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while emphasising that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's sacrifice is a beacon of humanity and interfaith solidarity, transcending communities, and it's crucial for the new generation to understand and inherit the legacy of valour and sacrifice.
The Education Minister further said that the goal is to foster a philosophy of life that moulds students into responsible and empathetic citizens, while urging teachers to deliver Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s teachings with dedication and affection.
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Cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO lashes out at Centre for not announcing date for PU Senate elections
Will stand by students to safeguard their interests, Centre should respect democratic traditions: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Chandigarh, November 10:Punjab cabinet minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO, on Monday, lashed out at BJP led Centre Government for not announcing date for Senate elections of Punjab University (PU), Chandigarh. The minister said that though, the central government has taken a step back by revoking the controversial notification but till now, the date for fresh elections has not been announced. He added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government will stand by Punjabis especially students to safeguard their interests and no stone will be left unturned to restore the federal status of the university.
Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the tenure of 91 members of the Senate was expired on October 31, 2024 but the BJP government has not announced any schedule for these elections which is direct attack on democratic structure of the university. He said that the BJP government should respect the democratic traditions of the country, otherwise it will face backlash from every section of the society. He added that the protest against the central government will continue till the announcement of date of Senate elections. He said that their government will also condemn the direct attack of the BJP on federal structure of the university on every platform.
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Punjab bags honour of being first state to implement Bharat Net Scheme
To lead towards ushering Broadband revolution in rural areas: KAP Sinha
CS KAP Sinha receives award from BSNL CGM
Chandigarh, November 10:Adding another feather in the cap in terms of optimizing the usage of communication technologies, Punjab has bagged the honour of becoming the first State in the country to implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme throughout the State. The award duly amplifies the strides made by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government in the technology sphere.
The Chief Secretary, Punjab, KAP Sinha today received the award from CGM BSNL Punjab Circle Ajay Kumar Kararha in Chandigarh.
Terming the award as a testament to the ever expanding base of the Punjab State on the technological horizon, KAP Sinha said that internet and broadband services have been provided in the 43 shadow areas in the State with only one village remaining. By the end of November month, each and every village would be brought under the ambit of the scheme.
Noting that the novel initiative would usher in a broadband revolution in the rural areas, the Chief Secretary added that it would be a giant step forward in giving impetus to the good governance roadmap of the Punjab Government. Now, the villages would become part of a one big digital family with easy access to various government services.
Notably, the Bharat Net Scheme aims to provide broadband connectivity to all of country's Gram Panchayats besides the households and the institutions. It also envisions e - health & e - governance services in rural sectors.
The CGM, BSNL informed the Chief Secretary, Punjab that under Amended Bharat Net Project, BSNL Punjab is the first state in India where S-NOC is functional, which can be monitored live from any location in the country. Punjab State has started roll out of Amended Bharat Net Project. This project was started from Harsha Chinna block of Amritsar. With the active support and coordination extended by various State Govt. Agencies and district level officers, at present 1000 kms of HDD and around 400 kms. Of OFC has been laid in 22 blocks of Punjab. This became possible only because of coordination meeting held under the Joint Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab and Secretary Telecom, Govt. Of India in the month of June 2025.
Chief Secretary was also requested to consider the BSNL on nomination basis for various State Govt. Projects under the State Disaster Management programme.
The CGM, BSNL also apprised the Chief Secretary that village Ramkalwan, one of the remotest border villages located near the Indo- Pak Border in Pathankot District of Punjab has been provided wi-fi connectivity by BSNL using the Vidya Mitram scheme of BSNL. The Sarpanch of village approached BSNL for making village wi-fi connected. CGMT also requested Chief Secretary, Punjab to encourage Panchayats across Punjab for similar support.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Chairs Marathon Meeting with 47 Employee Unions
Pledges Time-Bound Resolution of Key Issues
CHANDIGARH, November 10-Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, on Monday held an extensive series of meetings with representatives from 47 different employee unions. The marathon deliberations, lasting over five hours, underscored the government's unwavering commitment to addressing the long-pending concerns of the state workforce and fostering a transparent, employee-centric administration.
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema gave a patient and sympathetic hearing to the representatives of all 47 Unions, which included representatives from departments like Education, Health, Water Supply, Power, Contract Employees, and Joint Fronts. The core issues raised by the unions revolved primarily around the regularisation of contractual and outsourced employees, with the Minister assuring a sympathetic review under the existing legal framework.
To ensure time-bound action, Finance Minister Cheema issued crucial directions to the administrative departments. Firstly, administrative departments have been strictly instructed to actively involve union representatives in the process of drafting any policy proposals related to employee welfare before finalisation. This step aims to incorporate ground realities and eliminate future ambiguities. Secondly, Senior officials were directed to immediately resolve all issues that fall within the scope of departmental-level action. Finally, for complex matters involving legal and financial implications, departments were asked to coordinate closely with the offices of the Advocate General, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to ensure early resolution.
Reaffirming the Cabinet Sub-Committee's mandate, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to the welfare of every employee and aims to move beyond mere assurances and provide clear, actionable, and time-bound resolutions. He assured the union representatives that the outcomes of today's comprehensive discussions will be converted into actionable efforts to resolve legitimate demands and issues at the earliest. He said the state government is working diligently to create a harmonious, productive work environment that benefits both employees and the state.
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Junior Engineer suspended on directions of Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh
Action initiated after irregularities found in road construction
Chandigarh, November 10-On the directions of Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, the services of Junior Engineer Hargobind Singh, posted at Nagar Council Bhawanigarh, have been placed under suspension.
The suspension order, issued by the Director of the Local Government Department, Kulwant Singh, states that Junior Engineer Hargobind Singh has been suspended with immediate effect after irregularities were found in the construction of a road project.
The order further mentions that the irregularities came to light during the inspection of the road from Labh Singh to Joginder Nagar and Sangatsar. As per the order, during the suspension period, the Junior Engineer will remain attached to the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Sangrur, while the chargesheet will be issued subsequently.
Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and negligence. He emphasized that strict departmental action will continue against any official found guilty of compromising quality standards in public works.
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Harjot Singh Bains & Deepak Bali extend invitation to Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary
Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 10:–In a significant step towards ensuring the solemn and grand commemorations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, along with Advisor to Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, on Monday, called on Giani Kuldeep Singh Garjgajj, Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
During the meeting at the sacred precincts of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Harjot Singh Bains and Deepak Bali extended invitation to Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj to join the Ninth Guru Sahib Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary commemorations. The Education Minister also requested his gracious presence and participation in the 'Sarb Dharm Sammelan' scheduled for November 23 at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Sarb Dharm Sammelan, echoing Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's message of peace, sacrifice and protection of all faiths, is set to be a pivotal event, promoting unity and harmony among all, he added.
Apprising Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj about the state government's preparations for the historic events, S. Bains highlighted the extensive arrangements and ongoing development works being undertaken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government in Sri Anandpur Sahib and its surrounding areas.
The Education Minister stated, "Our government is dedicated to pay befitting homage to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Aligning with spiritual and religious significance of the historic occasion, we are working tirelessly to ensure the infrastructure, amenities and fitting environment for the countless devotees who will gather here from across the globe."