CHANDIGARH: Following discussions with Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in Patiala today, the PSEB Employees Joint Forum and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch Punjab have announced withdrawal of their ongoing strike action.
The breakthrough came after extensive meetings, held on August 10 and 14, 2025, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, alongside PSPCL administration officials at Punjab Bhawan and PSPCL Guest House, Chandigarh, culminated in the acceptance of key employee demands, with formal minutes documenting the agreements reached.
Addressing the media, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that comprehensive discussions between union representatives and the government had yielded mutually acceptable solutions. He assured that PSPCL's Board of Directors would expedite formal approval of the agreed provisions, while matters requiring Punjab Cabinet sanction would be fast-tracked through appropriate channels.
The Power Minister thanked organizational leaders and members for demonstrating trust in government assurances and resuming duties promptly. He stressed the critical importance of the period leading up to September 30, highlighting the essential need for uninterrupted power supply during the peak paddy cultivation season and heightened domestic consumption.
Reinforcing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's commitment to youth employment, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the government's remarkable achievement of creating over 55, 000 employment opportunities across the past three and a half years. Addressing recruitment concerns within PSPCL and PSTCL, he disclosed that more than 7, 000 appointments have already been completed, with an additional 11, 000 positions scheduled for completion by year-end.
Similarly, it has been decided to increase the ex-gratia amount by ₹5 lakh, raising it to ₹35 lakh. A committee has also been constituted to address the demands of outsourced and contractual employees and its recommendations will be implemented as soon as they are submitted.
The Power Minister assured that the people of Punjab would not face any inconvenience and the Mann Government is committed to accepting every legitimate demand of government employees.