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Grappling with a shortage of doctors in government hospitals and a lack of regular recruitment since 2022, the Panjab Health Department is turning to its retired workforce. The government has invited applications for 78 consultant posts reserved exclusively for retired government specialists. The decision underscores the government’s continued reliance on temporary arrangements to plug critical gaps in public healthcare, rather than filling specialist positions through regular appointments. Panjab has 2,098 sanctioned posts for medical specialists, of which around 1,000 are occupied, leaving a vacancy rate of 47%. Meanwhile, contractual workers of Panjab Roadways and PEPSU Road Transport Corporation called off their indefinite strike on 24 Oct following a meeting with Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Patiala. Bus services resumed in most parts of the state after employee unions withdrew their protest following written orders from the government addressing their demands. Concurrently, the Bhakra Dam marked its 63rd dedication day to India on 22 Oct. However, the dam faces mounting administrative, manpower, and operational challenges. Panjab holds 52% of Bhakra Beas Management Board’s share, but has struggled for two decades to fill its quota—1,486 technical posts remain vacant against a sanctioned strength of 3,297 employees. Moreover, a Central Electricity Authority inspection report in March flagged heavy silt accumulation, inadequate desilting, and aging machinery at Dehar, Himachal Pradesh. Estimated generation losses stood at USD 13.64M at market replacement power rates and USD 3.34M at tariff rates. The units were commissioned between 1977–1983, and the machinery has also exceeded its original design life. Concurrently, two weeks after approving the Ranjitgarh Development Authority (RDA) Bill, 2026, for the planned, sustainable, and ecotourism-oriented development of the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam areas, the Panjab government has identified 476.87 acres for tourism hubs and is looking to attract USD 210M in private investment. Additionally, the Ludhiana-based Public Action Committee has asked the National Highways Authority of India to immediately halt construction of reinforced cement concrete retaining walls in the Beas riverbed along the Kullu-Manali highway, warning that the work could alter the river’s flow, increase erosion, and raise downstream flood risks. It also warned that it would approach the National Green Tribunal if the authorities failed to respond satisfactorily (earlier coverage).
The Bhakra Dam | Photo by The Tribune
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