Chandigarh, Oct 14 (UNI) Punjab Cabinet on Wednesday decided to provide 33 per cent reservation to women under direct recruitment in state civil services.

Terming the decision as historic, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Aruna Chaudhary expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and the entire Council of Ministers for the significant decision taken to create more employment opportunities for the women in the state.



In a statement issued here, Ms Chaudhary said the Chief Minister has always accorded priority for the well being of the women to empower them and create the atmosphere of gender-neutral equality.



The Cabinet Minister said that with the Cabinet approval to Punjab Civil Services (Reservation of Posts for Women) Rules, 2020 to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in the direct recruitment to the posts in Government, as well as recruitment to Boards and Corporations in Group A, B, C and D posts, now the women of the state will get more employment opportunities in public sector.

'Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh led state government is committed to fulfill it's all promises made in the election manifesto and more such decisions to empower the women of the state will be taken in due course of time,' said the Minister.

She acknowledged that with the concerted efforts of the Chief Minister, earlier 50 per cent reservation was also accorded to the women in elections of panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and municipal bodies by enacting the Punjab Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act and the Punjab Municipal (Amendment) Act.

UNI JS RJ 2218