Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Sunday announced major reforms in the state’s power sector, introducing a self-certification system for new power connections up to 50 kW load and confirming the selection of 2,600 Lineman Apprentices for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

The initiative, launched under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of “Ease of Doing Business,” aims to simplify procedures for obtaining new or enhanced power connections, improve transparency, and speed up service delivery. Under the new rule, consumers applying for connections up to 50 kW will no longer need to submit a test report from a licensed electrical contractor. Instead, they will simply give an online declaration confirming that their internal wiring has been executed and tested by an authorized contractor.

Explaining the move, Arora said this self-declaration model will eliminate unnecessary verification steps by PSPCL, thereby cutting delays and promoting consumer trust. For connections above 50 kW, as well as for High Tension (HT) and Extra High Tension (EHT) consumers, test reports and inspections by the Chief Electrical Inspector will remain mandatory where required, though the verification process has been streamlined.

Arora emphasized that the reform will enhance efficiency while maintaining safety compliance, as all HT and EHT consumers will continue to undergo annual inspections. He clarified that the new rules will not apply to agricultural power (AP) consumers.

Highlighting employment generation, the Power Minister said that 2,600 Apprentices (Interns)—including 2,500 for Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and 100 for Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL)—have been selected and will soon begin one-year training in the Lineman trade. Eligible candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹7,700 and practical as well as theoretical training.

Since April 2022, the Punjab Government has made 8,984 new recruitments, including 2,023 Assistant Linemen, 48 Internal Auditors, and 35 Revenue Accountants, reflecting its continued focus on strengthening PSPCL and PSTCL through manpower and skill development. Arora said this apprenticeship initiative will create a pipeline of technically trained youth, ready to serve in the state’s growing power sector.

He concluded that these reforms represent a major step toward transparent, efficient, and people-centric governance, aligning with Punjab’s goal of delivering quick, accountable, and technology-driven public services.

Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora PSPCL PSTCL Self certification 50 KW Load Apprentices Lineman Training Power Reforms Ease Of Doing Business