The North News
Chandigarh, November 10
Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora has announced a series of reforms to simplify procedures for new power connections and strengthen the state’s power infrastructure through fresh recruitments and apprenticeship programmes. Speaking in Chandigarh on Monday, Arora said that the selection of 2,600 apprentices 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 completed. Training for the new batch will begin soon.
He added that since April 2022, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has recruited 8,984 personnel, including 2,023 Assistant Linemen, 48 Internal Auditors and 35 Revenue Accountants, in a drive to strengthen manpower and improve technical efficiency in the power sector. In a major pro-consumer reform, the Punjab government has introduced self-certification for consumers seeking new connections or changes in load up to 50 kW under the Low Tension (LT) category. Under the new system, applicants will no longer need to submit a test report from a licensed electrical contractor. Instead, they will make a declaration in the online application form confirming that internal wiring has been executed and tested by a certified professional.
Arora noted that more than 99.5% of PSPCL’s consumers (excluding agricultural consumers) fall under this category, adding that the change would “cut procedural delays and enhance transparency.” For consumers with loads above 50 kW, submission of a test report will remain mandatory, but officials will not be required to verify it. For new High Tension (HT) and Extra High Tension (EHT) connections, inspection by the Chief Electrical Inspector will continue, though submission of test reports has been waived.
The Power Minister emphasised that the reform is aimed at promoting efficiency and trust-based governance, in line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of transparent and time-bound public services. Arora also highlighted the completion of the apprentice selection process as part of PSPCL’s compliance with the Apprentices Act, 1961, which mandates engaging trainees in establishments employing more than 30 workers. With a workforce of 30,000, PSPCL has selected apprentices for the 2025–26 financial year to build a skilled pipeline for future recruitment.
The one-year apprenticeship training in the Lineman trade will combine classroom lessons with hands-on fieldwork, covering safety practices, transformer maintenance, and emergency response. Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹7,700. Arora said, “This programme not only equips Punjab’s youth with technical skills but also creates a direct pathway for employment in the power sector. It ensures our young workforce is job-ready, efficient, and capable of meeting future challenges.”
Secretary (Power) Basant Garg, IAS, was also present during the announcement.
