Chandigarh, Jun 20: Punjab Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday said the state government has decided to absorb 2,437 apprentice trainees as assistant linemen (ALMs) in state-owned power utility Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
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 Board of Directors of PSPCL, acting upon the advice of the Advocate General, Punjab, has accorded approval for the absorption of 2,437 apprentice trainees as Assistant Linemen (ALMs). The trainees are presently undergoing apprenticeship training in the Lineman Trade in PSPCL and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL),” Cheema informed.
The cabinet minister stated, “The PSPCL will conduct the mandatory Punjabi language examination for the said trainees as a one-time relaxation. 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.”
Emphasising the Punjab government’s employment efforts, Cheema added, “The CM is of the firm view that providing employment to the youth is essential for channeling their energy towards constructive nation-building and safeguarding them from social evils.”
“As a result of the sustained efforts of the government, a total of 9,627 recruitments have been made in PSPCL and PSTCL since April 2022,” he added.
Providing further details, he said, “Of the total 9,627 recruitments, 8,048 were made through direct recruitment and 1,579 on compassionate grounds.
Earlier this year, appointment letters were handed over by Mann to 570 candidates belonging to various categories.
The recruitment process for approximately 3,000 additional posts is presently underway and is likely to be completed by November 2026, he further said.
