The North News
Chandigarh, January 7
The Punjab government has regularised the services of more than 1,000 workers in the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department over the past seven months, with a further proposal to absorb hundreds more currently under consideration. Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said a proposal had been sent to the finance, personnel and legal departments to regularise another 519 senior workers who have completed at least 10 years of service but do not meet age or educational criteria under the 2023 policy.
Kataruchak was speaking after meeting representatives of the Janglat Workers Union at the Forest Complex in Chandigarh. He said the department was acting in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the welfare of workers described as a priority.
Addressing concerns over delayed salaries for employees issued appointment letters last July, officials told the minister that their details had been updated on the Integrated Human Resource Management System, and payments would be released shortly. Kataruchak directed officers to ensure timely disbursal so that workers did not face financial hardship. The minister also heard other demands raised by the union and assured members that the government recognised workers as an integral part of the department.
Senior officials from the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department were present at the meeting.
