-Total New Recruitments Since April 2022 Reach 8,984
Chandigarh, November 10:
Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora announced the completion of selecting 2,600 apprentices (interns) in the Lineman trade—2,500 for Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and 100 for Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL). Training for the new batch will commence soon.
Arora highlighted the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s ongoing efforts to bolster PSPCL and PSTCL through enhanced manpower and technical upgrades. With the latest recruitment of 2,106 personnel (including 2,023 Assistant Linemen, 48 Internal Auditors, and 35 Revenue Accountants), total new hires since April 2022 now stand at 8,984, underscoring the commitment to job creation and power infrastructure improvement.
In a key ease-of-doing-business reform, the state has streamlined procedures for new power connections and load enhancements. For LT (Low Tension) consumers up to 50 kW—covering over 99.5% of PSPCL connections (excluding AP category)—applicants no longer need to submit test reports from licensed electrical contractors or self-certification documents. Instead, an online declaration suffices, stating: “That the internal wiring at the premises has been got executed and tested by a Licensed Electrical Contractor/Designated Officer of the Govt. and test certificate is available with the applicant.”
For LT loads above 50 kW, test report submission remains mandatory, but PSPCL officials will not verify them. For new HT (High Tension) and EHT (Extra High Tension) connections, Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) inspection reports are still required, though test reports are waived. Existing HT/EHT consumers seeking load extensions need CEI inspection only if a new transformer is added; otherwise, it is not required.
Arora stressed that PSPCL will no longer verify test reports (where applicable) for new connections, additional load, demand changes, or name transfers. Safety remains paramount, with annual CEI inspections continuing for all existing HT/EHT consumers. These changes do not apply to AP (Agricultural Power) consumers.
The minister described the reforms as a step toward efficient, trust-based governance aligned with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision for consumer-friendly, transparent, and timely services.
With PSPCL’s workforce at around 30,000, it complies with the Apprentices Act, 1961, mandating 2.5%–15% apprentices. The 2025–26 selections ensure regulatory adherence while building youth skills and employment pathways.
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Eligibility for the one-year Lineman apprenticeship requires Matriculation, Punjabi up to Matric level, and ITI in Electrician/Wireman trade. Selected via Computer-Based Test (CBT), trainees receive a Rs. 7,700 monthly stipend and undergo 52 weeks of training under experienced supervisors.
The program starts with safety basics (PPE, first aid, safe practices on HT/LT lines), progressing to voltage/current/resistance measurement, line installation/maintenance, cable jointing, earthing, metering, fault detection, transformer care, line patrolling, and storm response. Trainees maintain daily diaries, reviewed weekly, and earn National Apprenticeship Council (NAC) certificates upon passing theoretical and practical assessments.
In FY 2023–24, 1,500 apprentices completed training in October 2024. Arora noted: “This initiative equips Punjab’s youth with vital skills, creating a ready talent pool for the power sector and clear career paths—successful apprentices meet basic eligibility for Assistant Lineman roles in PSPCL.”
Sh. Basant Garg, IAS, Secretary Power, was present at the press conference.
