Chandigarh, April 7
In a major step toward boosting employment and enhancing administrative capacity, Punjab Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Cheema has officially cleared the direct recruitment process for 70 vacancies within the state’s Planning Department.
Key Highlights of the Recruitment Drive
✅ 68 posts in the Directorate of Statistics:
- 14 Assistant Research Officers
- 4 Senior Assistants
- 50 Investigators
✅ 2 posts in the Economic Policy and Planning Board:
- 1 Group-A Programmer
- 1 Senior Assistant
✅ Recruitment to be conducted transparently through the Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSB)
Background and Approval Process
Minister Cheema revealed that the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had initially considered a proposal to recruit 140 officials across both institutions. During its meeting on March 29, 2026, the Cabinet approved filling 50% of the proposed vacancies, resulting in the current sanction of 70 posts.
“The Mann government remains committed to creating meaningful job opportunities for Punjab’s youth while strengthening the state’s policy-making and data infrastructure,” Cheema stated. “These recruitments will significantly enhance our capacity for evidence-based planning and economic analysis.”
watch…..ਆਪ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ 4 ਸਾਲ: ਗਾਰੰਟੀਆਂ ਪੂਰੀਆਂ, ਨਸ਼ੇ ਮੁਕਤ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੇੜੇ
Next Steps
With formal approval secured, the demand has been forwarded to the Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSB) to initiate the recruitment process. Minister Cheema emphasized that the SSB has been directed to:
🔹 Expedite notification and application procedures
🔹 Ensure a fair, merit-based, and transparent selection process
🔹 Fill the vacancies at the earliest to avoid further administrative delays
This recruitment drive aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of institutional strengthening, youth employment generation, and data-driven governance.
