Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a major relief for thousands of youths, the Punjab Government has decided to regularise 2,437 apprentices undergoing training in the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and appoint them as Assistant Linemen (ALM).
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said PSPCL had invited applications around eight to nine months ago for nearly 2,600 apprenticeship posts for ITI-qualified candidates. A computer-based examination was conducted, after which selected candidates were placed for training. Out of these, 2,437 youths joined the department and have been gaining field experience for the past six months.
Cheema stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has consistently focused on providing employment opportunities to Punjab’s youth. Acting on the Chief Minister’s direction, the department initiated the process to regularise the apprentices. After obtaining legal opinion from the Advocate General and reviewing service rules, it was found that candidates meeting the minimum qualifications could be absorbed into the department.
He added that the power department is currently facing increased workload due to the peak summer season and the approaching monsoon. To strengthen technical manpower at the field level, these trained apprentices will now be inducted into regular service.
According to the minister, the recruitment process is nearly complete and the selected candidates will soon be appointed as Assistant Linemen in PSPCL.
Cheema also informed that all candidates will have to clear a basic Punjabi language test before final appointment. The test will be mandatory for all, including those from within Punjab and outside the state. The department will conduct the exam, and only those who pass it will be issued appointment letters.
He said knowledge of Punjabi is essential as employees may be posted in any village or town across the state. Effective communication with local residents is crucial for smooth functioning, which is why the language test has been introduced.
