Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday regularised the services of 516 daily wage workers in the Forest Department and restored 237 pending promotions for officers and employees.
The move provides job security to workers who had awaited regularisation for years, with the newly appointed employees to remain in service until age 58 under government policy. They will also receive structured salaries with 5% annual increments, as per state provisions.
Relaxed Criteria for Long-Serving Workers
Many of the regularised workers did not meet standard educational or age requirements. However, the government granted special relaxations due to their extended service—some with over a decade of work, others nearing 25 years.
To date, the Forest Department has regularised 1,458 daily wage workers and recruited 342 through direct appointments. Mann highlighted their role in preserving Punjab’s green cover and wildlife.
Broader Employment and Department Plans
Mann stated his government has filled over 68,000 jobs through merit-based recruitment, eliminating favouritism. The administration also plans to revive neglected forest resorts to boost department revenue and environmental conservation efforts.
Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Forest Secretary K.K. Yadav attended the event where appointment letters were distributed.
