Nod to fill 3,954 medical posts in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 30

To effectively tackle the increasing patient load in government hospitals due to the pandemic, the Punjab Cabinet on Tuesday gave approval to fill 3,954 vacant posts in the Health Department and 291 in the Medical Education and Research Department.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, this evening. It was the first meeting of the Council of Ministers conducted by the new Chief Secretary, Vini Mahajan, in her capacity as Secretary to the Cabinet.

Giving details, an official said of the total 3,954 posts in the Health Department, 2,966 would be filled in the first phase and the remaining 988, which would fall vacant on September 30, in the next phase. An approval has also been granted to continue the recruitment of medical officers (specialists).

The Cabinet also gave its approval for the recruitment of medical staff through the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. Previously, the recruitments were done by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB).

An approval has been granted to retain junior residents, who are passing out after the completion of their three-year post-graduation course, as senior residents (ad hoc) for one year.

Meanwhile, by clearing the name of former Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh as Chairman of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority, the Chief Minister has honoured the commitment he is learnt to have made to the 1984-batch IAS officer.

Sources said Karan Avtar’s appointment as water regulatory body chairman was first in the series to strike a balance in the power equations among the bureaucracy. Some other top bureaucrats “who have been superseded by Vini Mahajan’s appointment” and are retiring over the next one year could also be adjusted.

Unlock 2.0 Restaurants can serve liquor

• The government on Tuesday extended the ban on opening of educational and coaching institutions, cinema halls, gyms till July 31
• Under the Unlock 2.0, the state has banned any activity that can attract large gatherings. The upper limit of guests in marriages remains 50 and at funerals 20
• Restaurants have been allowed to operate till 9 pm with 50 per cent occupancy or 50 guests, whichever is less. Liquor can be served provided the restaurant has a valid licence from the Excise Department
• Night curfew will be enforced strictly and movement of individuals will be allowed between 5 am and 10 pm