The Punjab government has made prior approval from the Personal Wing of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) mandatory for fresh recruitment in government departments, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
Under the new instructions, departments will have to share their recruitment plans with the Personal Wing before hiring against any vacant post. The requirement also applies to administrative departments, subordinate institutions and autonomous bodies.
The government has directed departments to give priority to employees currently placed in the surplus pool when filling vacant positions. Before approving fresh recruitment, authorities will first check whether a surplus government employee from the relevant cadre can be adjusted against the vacant post.
The recruitment procedure has been tightened because employees from different cadres are currently available in the surplus pool. Departments will therefore have to consider these existing employees before seeking permission for fresh appointments.
All administrative secretaries have been directed to ensure full implementation of the new orders. A copy of the instructions has also been sent to the Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission and other relevant authorities for information and necessary action.