Power employees call off strike after talks with power minister
2
Patiala: After discussions with Punjab power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO in Patiala on Thursday, the PSEB Employees Joint Forum and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch Punjab announced the withdrawal of their ongoing strike.
The breakthrough followed a series of meetings held on Aug 10 and Aug 14, chaired by finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema and power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with PSPCL officials at Punjab Bhawan and PSPCL guest house in Chandigarh. These meetings led to the acceptance of key employee demands, with formal minutes documenting the agreements.
Addressing the media, power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction over the resolution, stating that detailed discussions between union representatives and the govt had resulted in mutually agreeable solutions.
He assured that PSPCL board of directors would expedite formal approval of the agreed provisions, while matters requiring cabinet sanction would be fast-tracked.
The minister thanked union leaders and employees for trusting the govt's assurances and resuming duties promptly. He emphasised the importance of uninterrupted power supply during the critical period leading up to Sep 30, which coincides with peak paddy cultivation and high domestic electricity demand.
Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the govt's employment achievements, noting that over 55,000 jobs have been created in the past three and a half years. Regarding recruitment in PSPCL and PSTCL, he said more than 7,000 appointments have been completed, with another 11,000 expected by year-end.
Also, the ex gratia has been increased by Rs 5 lakh, raising it to Rs 35 lakh. A committee has also been formed to address the demands of outsourced and contractual employees, with its recommendations to be implemented upon submission.
The power minister reiterated that the Mann government is committed to addressing every legitimate demand of govt employees and ensuring that the people of Punjab do not face any inconvenience.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
"Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie
Coolie
and
War 2
."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Gemini Daily Horoscope Today, August 15, 2025: Hidden enemies may surface today
In stressful or confusing situations, your ability to stay composed and listen attentively provides comfort to others. Avoid getting caught up in worries or distractions. Ground yourself and offer thoughtful words or actions. Your balanced energy creates harmony and helps solve problems peacefully. Being present with patience and kindness makes you a source of stability. Your calming influence strengthens relationships and encourages cooperation today. Gemini Love Horoscope Today In love, your calmness fosters deeper understanding with your partner. Listening without judgment and responding with care improves communication. For singles, being present in conversations helps build trust and connection. Avoid rushing or overthinking feelings. Your gentle approach creates a peaceful atmosphere where love can grow naturally. Calm presence today deepens intimacy and emotional security in your relationships. Gemini Career Horoscope Today At work, staying composed amid pressure improves your performance and leadership. Colleagues appreciate your steady approach and thoughtful problem-solving. Avoid reacting impulsively or stressing over deadlines. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Taking a moment to breathe and focus enhances clarity and decision-making. Your calm attitude encourages teamwork and smooth workflow. Presence and patience today lead to professional respect and success. Gemini Money Horoscope Today Financially, a calm mind helps you manage money with wisdom and patience. Avoid impulsive spending or worrying about uncertainties. Thoughtful budgeting and steady planning improve your financial stability. Being present with your financial habits helps you spot unnecessary expenses and focus on goals. Calmness reduces anxiety and builds confidence in your money management. Gemini Health Horoscope Today Health benefits when you practice mindfulness and relaxation. Grounding yourself in the present reduces stress-related symptoms and improves sleep. Gentle activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing support mental and physical wellness. Avoid rushing or neglecting self-care. Your calm presence nurtures balance, energy, and healing today. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Maha govt schools to offer Cambridge course free online
1 2 Nagpur: Students in Maharashtra govt schools will soon have the opportunity to learn about climate change directly from the University of Cambridge, courtesy an initiative taken by minister of state for school education Pankaj Bhoyar. The state education department is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) next month with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which will kickstart various other capacity-building initiatives. As part of this, a free online course on climate change awareness will be offered to students of Classes 8 to 10 in English and semi-English medium schools, and upon completion, students will receive certificates issued in the name of the prestigious university. Bhoyar said, "Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has always stressed the need for providing govt schoolkids with the highest quality of education. We took this forward and decided that knowledge sharing with stakeholders of global repute is one of the key factors. Right from students to teachers, our effort will be to raise the bar for all, and our schools will also provide a global level of education." The initiative is part of the govt's push to raise the standard of state-run schools to global levels, following the CM's directive to all departments to prepare 100-day plans to boost performance. Bhoyar, who holds a PhD in econometrics, led the discussions with Cambridge Press through its India arm. Bhoyar will travel to the UK this month, following an invitation by the Cambridge, to discuss crucial topics like online schooling, teacher capacity and English language, library resources etc. According to Cambridge's proposal, the 'Climate Quest' programme has been designed by experts from Cambridge Zero — the university's climate response initiative — and aligns with India's National Curriculum Framework. It aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to become climate-conscious citizens, fostering environmental responsibility at the grassroots level. It's expected that the MoU will also pave the way for advanced teacher training. Selected 'master trainers' from Maharashtra will be trained to improve teaching methodologies and bring them on par with international standards. Other areas of collaboration being discussed include creation of teacher library resources and exploring online schooling models. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Engineering counselling delay in AP leaves thousands in uncertainty
Vijayawada: The future of thousands of engineering aspirants in Andhra Pradesh was thrown into turmoil after the second phase of engineering counselling was indefinitely postponed due to a legal dispute over local–non-local reservation rules. While the case involves just three students, its impact is being felt by thousands across the state. The delay has left students and parents in a dilemma—whether to join the colleges allotted in the first phase or wait for a potentially better seat in the second phase. Those who reported to their first-phase colleges are now facing heavy pressure from managements to join immediately. In several cases, colleges are demanding advance hostel payments of ₹50,000 or more, making it clear that these amounts will not be refunded if the student opts out after the second phase. "This is a weird situation. My son secured a seat in first counselling but is unhappy with the college and wants to wait for the second phase. Now the college insists we pay almost 40% of the fees as a non-refundable advance. This is badly impacting us," said T Srinivasa Murthy, a private school teacher from Vijayawada. The dispute stems from a govt order issued on May 12, nearly a decade after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, changing the definition of local status. Students who studied outside AP for even one year in the four years prior to admission are now considered non-local. Many affected students joined intermediate courses in Telangana before the order was introduced. Three such students approached the high court, which ordered that they be treated as local candidates. The department of technical education, however, suspended seat allotments to avoid applying the ruling only to them and sought further clarity from the court. With no new counselling date announced and classes for first-phase students having already started on August 4, thousands remain caught between paying non-refundable fees now or waiting in uncertainty for a resolution. For many, their academic future now depends on the outcome of a case filed by just three students. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
