Punjab minister says government’s decision strengthens social justice and job security /Dr. Ravjot Singh

Punjab minister says government’s decision strengthens social justice and job security /Dr. Ravjot Singh

Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/May 31

Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has welcomed the historic decisions taken by the Punjab Cabinet, saying that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership the AAP government has once again proven its full commitment to the welfare of common people, employees and the working class. He said the decision to end the decades-old contract system and pave the way for regularisation of over 65,000 employees will prove to be a milestone in the state’s history.

Dr. Singh said previous governments repeatedly trapped employees in the contract system, leaving thousands without job security and entitled benefits despite years of service. He added that the Mann government has taken this historic step to create a direct relationship between the government and its employees, eliminating the role of middlemen and contractors.

Under the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel Bill, 2026 and the Punjab Contract Personnel Bill, 2026, outsourced workers will first be brought under direct government contracts and will subsequently be offered regular positions based on merit. The minister said this move will not only improve employees’ living standards but also strengthen transparency and accountability within the government system.

The minister said the policy will benefit 65,048 workers employed across electricity, education, health, local government, transport, water supply, agriculture, prison departments and several other state institutions. Under the new policy, salaries will be credited directly to employees’ bank accounts with no commission or deductions by any agency or contractor. In addition, employees will receive legal maternity benefits, annual casual leave and other essential facilities.