In a landmark step towards securing the future of contractual employees, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government on Monday regularized the services of 516 Daily Wage Workers of the Forest Department, ending years of uncertainty over their future. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over appointment letters to the employees and also announced the restoration of long-pending promotions of 237 Forest Department officers and employees. Reiterating his government’s commitment to employee welfare and transparent governance, the Chief Minister said the contractor system has been abolished, more than 68,000 government jobs have been provided purely on merit, and every deserving employee will continue to receive dignity, job security and equal opportunity as the government works towards building a Rangla Punjab.
Sharing a few snippets from this programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today was a momentous and joyous day for the employees of the Forest Department. Securing the future of 516 daily wage employees who had been waiting for years, we handed over regular appointment letters to them. At the same time, the long-pending promotions of 237 employees have also been restored.”
“…Having abolished the contractor system and already provided more than 68,000 government jobs to the youth, our government remains fully committed to building a Rangla Punjab,” the post concluded.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I have never signed a file due to which any employee suffered a loss or the state or its employees incurred any financial loss. Previous governments never cared about contractual employees because they never understood the crucial role these employees play. I am confident that the employees of the Forest Department will continue to make a significant contribution towards enhancing Punjab’s green cover. At the same time, our government is making concerted efforts to rejuvenate forest rest houses across the state.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “More than 65,000 contractual workers of Punjab have given the best years of their lives in the service of the state. Today, Punjab is returning to them what rightfully belongs to them. There will no longer be contractors standing between these employees and the government. From now onwards, these employees will have direct employment, full of dignity and a clear pathway to permanence.”
Highlighting the government’s transparent recruitment process, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that our government has provided around 68,268 government jobs to the youth of Punjab. The era of cash payments and favoritism has ended. Today, eligible youth are getting government jobs solely on the basis of their merit and eligibility. That is why not even a single appointment made by our government has been challenged in any court.” Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Forest Secretary K.K. Yadav and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.