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With the current economic slowdown, not only Punjab, but every state in India has faced a serious impasse in its cash flow. The government has taken productive steps to ensure that every household in the state has a source of basic income to enrich the lives of the people living in it. The minimum wages in Punjab, as guided by the state and Central government, have increased over the years. In India, the rules of the minimum wages act were introduced a year after independence in 1948. Since then, at every regular interval, the government changes the minimum bar for wages depending on the socio-economical aspects.

Understanding the Minimum Wages Act better

Understanding the Minimum Wages Act better

To understand the terms better it is important to understand basic terms like skilled, unskilled, semi-skilled, and highly skilled labourers.

  • Unskilled Labourer: An unskilled worker is a person with little or no experience in the working of the industry. His job is to perform simple operations with no judgement on the subject. The only feature that the employer expects from an unskilled labourer is occupational familiarity. The individual must be familiar with the dynamics of the factory or the workplace, on the basic level. 
  • Skilled Worker: A manager comes under the scope of a skilled labourer because he is an individual who carries out important duties with the help of his independent judgement skills. It is expected that a skilled worker has the complete knowledge of the trade he is appointed for. 
  • Semi-Skilled Worker: The semi-skilled labourers carry out certain routine responsibilities that require making little or no independent decisions. The scope of such a job is limited in nature.  
  • Highly Skilled Worker: A highly skilled worker supervises the job of skilled workers. He can do so because he has the knowledge and skills required to ensure the efficient working of the organization.

What is the Government doing?

minimum wages act - What is the Government doing?

New Zealand and Australia were the first countries in the world to prescribe national laws for minimum wages. These laws stressed on the clear minimum demarcation for the members of the labour union. Thus, starting a global revolution for the underpaid and overly hardworking labourers. Shifting the limelight to the Indian demographics of labourers, we see a colourful spectacle of varied minimum wages across the country. In comparison to the international market, India has the most complicated system of minimum wages. This is attributed to the varying demographics and geographical factors across the mainland. As of today, there are more than 1200 minimum wages prices under force in different regions of India.

As a state, Punjab is famous for its extensively flourishing agricultural industry. This being said, the land has been a constant epitome of power, influence, and economic gain for the people in this state. However, due to the exploitation of lands by corporates and rich people in the society, a wide majority of people in the state faced unemployment. The government ensured the implementation of the Punjab Village Common Lands 1961 regulation. According to this about 50 per cent of cultivable land is reserved for the socially disadvantaged people. This gave them the independence to grow their own food grains and feed their livestock, ultimately giving them financial freedom.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 was renamed in the following years as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The government rolled out this act to ensure equal stability of the disadvantaged section of the society. Under this scheme, the rural labourers get a guarantee of 100 days of employment out of the 365 or 366 days in a year. On the employer’s end, this scheme compels them to spend 60 per cent of their capital to provide the minimum daily wages of their employees and 40 per cent for the material purchase.

Recently, the Punjab Cabinet gave a green signal to the Government Colleges in Patiala and Amritsar to create 550 new posts. This move may improve the statistics of employment in the state.    

Minimum wages act

Minimum wages act

Wages include allowances of all kind and basic pay that an employer provides to his employee during his tenure of employment. The bonuses, overtime pay, and provident funds do not include in this definition. As per the regulations of this government scheme. The standard working hours for every worker is 48 hours and six days per week.

The minimum wages act Punjab govt implemented for the improvement for the economic status of the people living in the state, proves enough for the workers. The minimum wages in Punjab are decided on the basis of the inflation rate and economic growth of the country. Find the recent details of minimum wages defined for the people working in different jobs, as per the Minimum wages act.  

  Daily (in Rs) Monthly (in Rs)
Skilled 402.55 10453.83
Semi-skilled 368.05 9556.83
Unskilled 338.05 8776.83
Highly Skilled 442.25 11485.83

For Agriculture daily labourers, the minimum wage with the meal is Rs. 316.69 and without meals is Rs. 352.09.

Also know about Mohali Population.

Kaushal Vikas Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is an active skill development scheme launched by the Central government of India in the year 2015. Through this scheme, the government aims at increasing the aptitude and efficiency of daily wage earners with the help of regular training. Based on the performance of the individual during the training process, they get monetary awards and rewards up to the limit of Rs. 8000. It runs in parallel to the minimum wages act Punjab government implemented for their citizens.

The main reason for unemployment in our country is not just the unavailability of a job, but the unavailability of trained professionals who have the skills required to perform a job. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) runs different training sessions across the state of Punjab under the Kaushal Vikas Yojana. More than 50 lacs individuals have gained employable skills through these sessions of training to date. As a college pass out, you don’t possess the skills that companies require for their growth. On that note, this scheme helps you learn such skills to make yourself employable. 

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Government

Seeds Punjab Amendment Bill 2025 Passed to Curb Spurious Sale

Punjab Cabinet Introduces The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025

On Friday, the Punjab Cabinet convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approving a crucial legislative

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Seeds Punjab Amendment Bill 2025 Passed to Curb Spurious Sale

Punjab Cabinet Introduces The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025

On Friday, the Punjab Cabinet convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approving a crucial legislative proposal aimed at combating the sale of spurious seeds within the state. The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 is a landmark initiative designed to protect farmers by making the distribution and sale of counterfeit seeds a non-bailable offence.

This significant decision arises from the recognition that the existing legislation, specifically Section 19 of the Seeds Act, 1966, lacked the necessary amendments to impose effective deterrents for such illegal activities. The Cabinet noted that the original fines imposed under the Act had remained unchanged for decades, failing to deter malpractices that threaten the agricultural landscape of Punjab.

Enhanced Penalties for Spurious Seeds

The proposed Bill introduces stringent penalties that are set to drastically increase the cost of engaging in the sale of substandard seeds. For companies found guilty of first-time offences, the Bill stipulates a prison term ranging from one to two years, coupled with fines ranging between Rs 5 to 10 lakh. Repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, with potential imprisonment of two to three years and fines escalating to between Rs 10 to 50 lakh.

For individual dealers or persons implicated in these offences, the measures are equally rigorous. Initial infractions will attract jail terms of six months to one year and fines from Rs 1 to 5 lakh, while subsequent breaches could lead to longer sentences of one to two years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. This sharp rise from the earlier nominal penalties, Rs 500 for first offences and Rs 1,000 for repeat offenders, along with a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, demonstrates the Cabinet’s commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s agricultural integrity.

Broader Efforts to Enhance Industrial Growth

In a demonstration of its commitment to fostering industry, the Punjab Cabinet also approved several measures aimed at bolstering economic development across the state. A key initiative includes the creation of a bi-annual digital land pool to simplify the leasing or sale of land parcels for industrial development. The move aims to facilitate significant investments, especially projects exceeding Rs 200 crore, and uses an e‑auction procedure to enhance transparency.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, increasing the upper age limit for Group D recruitment from 35 years to 37 years. This adjustment will expand job opportunities for youth and reflect the state government’s proactive stance on employment and career development amid pressing economic conditions.

Loan Waiver Scheme for Industrial Support

The Cabinet also implemented a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme designed to address and resolve outstanding loans under various industrial support programs. Significantly, this scheme offers complete waivers for loans governed by the Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935, and the Integrated Rural Development Programme. Eligible units are required to comply with this scheme and settle their dues within six months following its announcement in newspapers. This initiative underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to fortifying its industrial framework and supporting businesses in overcoming financial hurdles.

Key Policies for Foodgrain Transportation

The Cabinet endorsed the Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2025 and the Punjab Labour and Cartage Policy 2025 to streamline operations and ensure the state procures and distributes essential food products efficiently. These policies require the government to award transportation contracts via a competitive, transparent online tendering process, boosting supply‑chain efficiency.

Vision for Semiconductor Ecosystem Development

In a forward-looking move, Chief Minister Mann has also outlined the state government’s ambitious plan to cultivate a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem in Punjab. In a meeting with representatives of the semiconductor industry, Mann pledged full support and cooperation for developing a dedicated semiconductor park around Mohali. This endeavor hinges on the state’s robust industrial environment, skilled workforce, and available resources, positioning Punjab as an attractive destination for semiconductor investments.

Mann emphasized the critical role of semiconductor chips in modern technology, highlighting their presence in a wide range of electronic devices, from basic computing systems to advanced technological innovations. He expressed optimism about the potential for significant employment generation and industrial growth stemming from a thriving semiconductor sector, which is currently witnessing impressive annual growth rates globally.

Conclusion

The Punjab Cabinet’s recent decisions reflect a multifaceted approach to bolstering the state’s agricultural and industrial sectors. By introducing stringent penalties for the sale of spurious seeds, launching policies to enhance food grain transportation, and fostering an environment conducive to semiconductor investments, the government aims to address immediate challenges while paving the way for sustainable economic development. As these initiatives unfold, they are likely to have profound implications for Punjab’s farmers, businesses, and the broader economy.

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Education

NITTTR Chandigarh: Learn More About the Institution 

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The National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, or NITTTR, comes under the Ministry of Education. The institution provides education and training programs to the faculty and staff of the IT sector. NITTR Chandigarh provides the best training expertise to the staff of technical education. Let’s learn more about the institution.

About NITTTR Chandigarh

nitttr logo

The institution is established to fulfill the need for a quality training center. With a better teaching staff, the students will be able to meet the rising standards amidst the rapid industrialization of India. The institution falls under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. 

NITTTR Chandigarh is one of the four Institutes in India. The other three are in Bhopal, Chennai, and Kolkata. All four were established in the year of 1967. NITTTR Chandigarh was a collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Government until 1974. 

Additionally, the institute covers the requirement of education in polytechnic for the entire northern region. The institute covers 8 states which include:

  •  Himachal Pradesh,
  •  Haryana,
  •  Punjab,
  •  J&K, 
  • Rajasthan,
  •  Uttar Pradesh, 
  • Uttarakhand
  • Delhi

The institute was built to provide training programs for teachers of polytechnic while promoting curriculum development for these states. 

Various Education and Training Programmes

All the programs focus on technical education and enhancing the teaching skills of technical teachers. Moreover, the institute also focuses on programmes related to Entrepreneurship Development, and Digital Instructional Material Development. Besides, the institution also focuses on emerging areas like Robotics, 3D Printing, Smart Grid Technologies, 5G Communications, Cyber Security, Data Science, and many more. 

Furthermore, the institute also includes various courses initiated by the government of India:

  1. NEP 2020
  2. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan
  3. Atmanirbhar Bharat
  4. PMKVY

NITTTR Chandigarh offers various long-term and short-term training programmes that aim at providing the best training to recruits while also enhancing teaching methodologies. The teachers learn to improve their skills and become industry ready.  If you ever get the chance, you should visit Pushpa Gujral Science City: Ticket Prices, Timings, and More, and observe how technology meets science.

Long-Term Training Programmes (M.E. Programme)

These long-term programmes or courses provide an in-depth study of the advancing technicality of India. The need for professional engineers, technicians, and skilled workers is very important for the rapidly changing IT sector of India. Therefore, the institution provides a master’s degree for various courses. All the courses for a master’s degree are affiliated with Panjab University for 2 years.

Specialized Courses   

M.E. in Engineering Courses Specialization 
Computer Science and Engineering IoT (Internet of Things)
Electronics and Communication Engineering  AI
Mechanical Engineering Robotics 

Regular/Modular Courses

M.E. in Engineering  Courses
Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Technology
Civil Engineering Technology and Management 
Electrical Engineering Instrumentation & Control
Electronics Engineering Electronics & Communication 

 

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in various disciplines, the Institute, under the guidance of the All-India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi, and Panjab University introduced programmes for master’s degrees in 2005. 

Admission Criteria 

The graduates are admitted based on their GATE score. The applicant can download the form from here. The details regarding the admission process will be mentioned on the site. 60% of the seats for Regular programmes are allotted through CCMT-2020.

Short-Term Training Courses

These courses are different every week so you should visit the website for further details.

Department  Courses
Civil Engineering  Non-Destructive Techniques, Road Construction Technologies, Auto CAD Application
Computer Science and Engineering Cybersecurity Intelligence (IBM Collaboration), Python, Mastering Linux
Mechanical Engineering Additive Manufacturing for Bio-Medical Applications, Advanced Machining Processes, Auto CAD
Rural Development Earthquake Risk Management, Organic Farming
Applied Science Fibre Optic Test and Measurements
Electrical Engineering Raspberry Pi and its Interface, Big Data Analytics in Smart Grid
Media Engineering  AR VR Applications, OBE, SAR, and NBA

Fee Structure of NITTTR Chandigarh

NITTTR Chandigarh is a government institution and thanks to that the fee is less than that of private institutions. Let’s talk about the fee structure of the courses in the institution.

Fee Detail For M.E. Regular Programmes
Admission Fee (one time) Rs. 2000
Programme Fee (Semester wise) Semester 1- Rs. 40,000

Semester 2- Rs. 40,000

Semester 3- Rs. 25,000

Semester 4- Rs. 25,000

Total: Rs. 1,30,000 (for 2 years)

Continuation Fee Per Semester- Rs. 5000
Pre- Thesis and Final Thesis Exam Rs. 2000 (per exam)
Security Rs. 7000 (one-time and refundable)
Insurance Fee Rs. 500 (once in 2 years)

For further details about the fee structure, visit https://www.nitttrchd.ac.in/core/FeeDetails.pdf

FDP Login (Applying for STC)

Faculty Development Programmes are the same as short-term programmes. You can apply for these short-term courses by the following steps:

  1. Create your account through one-time registration from the official website
  2. Verify your contact number through OTP.
  3. After login, you have to click on Apply for STC in the left panel.
  4. Fill in the specific details to search for the course.
  5. Apply for the course you want. 
  6. Download the application form. Take out a copy and get it signed by the authority.
  7. Upload the form under the Upload Sponsorship Menu.
  8. A confirmation will be sent to you.
  9. Join the online/offline courses.
  10. You will receive a certificate after completing the course.

In case you have further issues or queries you can mail at [email protected] for any details. 

How to Enroll for Ph.D. Programmes?

The institution also provides Ph.D. programmes under the following categories:

  •  The QIP Scheme of AICTE
  •  Direct Admission Category 
  •  Industry Sponsored fellowship 

The scholars can enroll in these programmes under the following universities as approved:

Panjab University

IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar 

JC Bose University of Science and Technology, Faridabad

Location of NITTTR Chandigarh

NITTTR Chandigarh

NITTTR Chandigarh is located in Sector 26, Chandigarh. For any query, you can either visit the institution or contact them on the following number and email.

Director Office

Phone number- 91-172-2792369, 91-172-5061563

Email- [email protected], [email protected] 

Website: www.nitttrchd.ac.in 

Final Note

NITTTR Chandigarh is a well-established institute for training in technical education. A growing India requires the best teachers to teach the youth about the technical aspects and engineering. The institution aims to become a leading institute to promote the vision of excellence in the technical sector. It has provided excellent education and training programs to the faculty. 

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Government

PGI Chandigarh – Admissions, Open Hours, Services, and More (Updated 2024)

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Main entry gate 1 of PGI Chandigarh


Image by: Gurjeet Singh

PGIMER or Pgi Chandigarh is the most reputed medical institution in Northern India. It is a public medical university with the status of Institute of National Importance in Chandigarh, India.

This medical institution is the leading medical institution treating patients from the states of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, & Bihar. Other than treatments, this medical institute is also a topmost choice for medical students to complete their post-graduate and doctoral degrees. From MS, MD to Doctor of Philosophy, the institute offers opportunities to study for higher education.

This post will guide you all about the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research. From history, location, open hours, admissions, and treatments, you will find almost all the important details related to this medical institution.

History of The Institute

Pgi Chandigarh came into existence in 1962. When it was inaugurated by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1963, it was named “Nehru Hospital.” It was also given the status ‘Institute of National Importance’ from April 1, 1967 onwards. Furthermore, it also became an autonomous body functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, under the Act of Parliament in 1967.

The institute was founded by Prof. Santokh Singh Anand, Prof. Tulsi Das, Prof. BN Aikat, Prof. PN Chuttani, Prof. Bala Krishna, and Prof. Sant Ram Dhall. 

The PGIMER institutes come into existence with the aim of providing high-quality patient care, education facilities, and training of the medical staff and personnel, covering every branch of the health sector. It also aims to focus on basic research and to meet the country’s requirements for highly qualified medical teachers in the field.

Admissions

One of the major department's building at PGI Chandigarh

Image by Sandeep Kumar

The admission process of this institute is conducted twice a year. The institute offers programs for graduate and postgraduate students. Applicants from all over the country apply for a seat at this prestigious medical institution. 

You will find notifications in the months of September or October and March or April. Then, there will be an entrance exam that is usually held in the months of December and June.

Here is the list of the courses that have been offered by this renowned institution in Chandigarh.

Course Name No. of Seats Contact Number
MD/MS 610 0172 – 275-5562
MDS 18 0172 – 275-5569
MHA 05 0172 – 275-5569
B.Sc (Paramedical) 257 0172 – 275-5561

Overall, there are more than 20,000 medical graduates competing to get admission to this institute, out of which only around 2% of the candidates are selected.

The competitive exam for PGI admission is one of the toughest exams in the country. 

For MD or MS programs, there will be an entrance test consisting of 250 MCQs, including the subjects from the MBBS course. The detailed information related to the admission process can be found @here

For admission advertisements, you can search for the official notice @here.

Recruitment

PGIMER Chandigarh is not only a center of excellence in medical education and patient care, but also a significant employer in the region. 

The institute regularly advertises vacancies for medical, administrative, and support staff. Recruitment is transparent, merit-based, and follows reservation policies as per the Government of India norms. 

Interested candidates can find job notifications on the institute’s official website and leading newspapers. The selection process typically involves written tests and interviews, depending on the nature of the job.

For current job openings, you can check out the official recruitment portal of PGI Chandigarh @here.

Patient Care Services

New OPD Block at PGIMER

Image by Lalit Kumar Malodia

If we talk about the patient care services offered by PGIMER Chandigarh, there are different types of facilities provided. From OPD and emergency checkups to online pre-registration services, this medical institute is always looking forward to providing timely treatments to patients.

Let’s have a detailed look at patient care services and the departments running under this hospital.

  1. OPD
  2. In Patient Services
  3. Emergency
  4. Lab Reports
  5. Online Pre Registration
  6. Teleconsultations Services
  7. Donate For Poor Patient

Now, let’s have a quick look at the departments under PGIMER Chandigarh.

  1. Anesthesia
  2. Anatomy
  3. Biochemistry
  4. Biophysics
  5. Biostatistics
  6. Cardiology
  7. Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
  8. Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology
  9. Community Medicine and School of Public Health
  10. Cytology & Gynaecological Pathology
  11. Dermatology Venereology Leprology
  12. Dietitics
  13. Endocrinology
  14. Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology
  15. Forensic Medicine
  16. Gastroenterology
  17. General Surgery
  18. GI Surgery, HPB, and Liver Transplantation
  19. Hematology
  20. Hepatology
  21. Histopathology
  22. Hospital Administration
  23. Immunopathology
  24. Internal Medicine
  25. Medical Microbiology
  26. Medical Parasitology
  27. National Institute of Nursing Education
  28. Nephrology
  29. Neurology
  30. Neurosurgery
  31. Nuclear Medicine
  32. OBS & Gynecology
  33. Ophthalmology
  34. Oral Health Sciences (Dental)
  35. Orthopaedics
  36. Otolaryngology (ENT)
  37. Paediatric Medicine
  38. Paediatric Surgery
  39. Pharmacology
  40. Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
  41. Plastic Surgery
  42. Psychiatry
  43. Pulmonary Medicine
  44. Radio Diagnosis and Imaging
  45. Radiotherapy and Oncology
  46. Renal Transplant Surgery
  47. Telemedicine
  48. Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank)
  49. Translational and Regenerative Medicine
  50. Urology
  51. Virology

Other than these departments, PGI Chandigarh has all the facilities that allow the doctors to treat their patients well.  You can easily get informed about the different departments and the hospital charges for several tests and services on the official portal of PGIMER @here.

Open Hours

The hospital consists of a multitude of departments and every section has different timings. For emergency cases, the institute is open 24 hours. 

For other departments, you can easily find out on the official website of the institute @here

How To Reach?

Main entry gate 1 of PGI Chandigarh

PGIMER Chandigarh is easily accessible from various parts of the city and neighboring states. It is well connected by road, and the nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, approximately 14 km away. 

For those traveling by train, Chandigarh Railway Station is about 10 km from the institute. Regular bus services and taxis are available from these points to PGIMER. 

For local residents, auto-rickshaws and app-based cab services provide convenient options for commuting.

Stays Near PGI Chandigarh

As a government-owned institute, the PGIMER also faces rush hours and sometimes the number of days to provide proper treatments to the patients. For those, who are critical or referred to the hospital from other cities, they sometimes need some personal rooms or lounge area, where they can stay for a long time.

There are some hostels and resthouses in the PGI, where you can get a room based on your stay and the treatment plan for the patient. The information about these resthouses is not available online and one can get to know about that by physically having a word with the authorities.

Apart from the stays inside the PGI Chandigarh, you can also look out for some private Dharamshala, or BNBs near the hospital at a reasonable price. 

Ending Note

PGIMER in Chandigarh consists of one of the best medical professionals in the country, who are continuously striving to contribute to the world of medicine. The staff here focuses on patient care and provides them with all the facilities that are necessary to complete the treatment.

From being a hub of study for medical professionals to providing cures to seriously ill patients, PGI Chandigarh has served the patients with dedication and care.

There is no doubt that this medical institute is not only the best in Chandigarh but also in the northern part of India for treatment as well as gaining proficiency in the field of medicine.

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