The Punjab government has announced the creation of more than 38,000 positions for chairpersons, office-bearers, and members across welfare boards to be set up in every district and Assembly constituency of the state. This move follows the earlier constitution of 21 state-level welfare boards for various castes and communities.
Structure of the Welfare Boards
Under the new plan, each of Punjab's 117 Assembly constituencies will have 21 welfare boards. Every board will consist of a chairperson, a senior vice-chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and 10 members, taking the total strength of each board to 13. The same structure will be replicated at the district level. Once all boards are constituted, the total number of office-bearers and members is expected to reach 38,220. Of these, about 2,940 will be chairpersons. Including senior vice-chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, the number of key office-bearers will rise to 8,820.
Honorary Positions and Government Control
The positions will be honorary, with no salary, allowances, office space, or dedicated staff. Appointees will serve at the discretion of the government, which retains the authority to remove any office-bearer at any time without prior notice. The government has clarified that no expenditure from the state treasury will be incurred on salaries or allowances for these positions. The boards will also function without separate offices or staff.
Notification and Appointment Process
A notification has been issued by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities after obtaining the required approval from the Governor. Nominations will be made by the Punjab Government, while appointment letters will be issued by deputy commissioners.
Role of the Boards
The boards will provide ground-level inputs and feedback on the implementation of welfare schemes. They are being established for a wide range of communities, including Rai Sikhs, Rajputs, Bairagis, Brahmins, Vimukt Jatis, Prajapat Samaj, Sainis, Ramgarhias, Swarnkars, Christians, Muslims, Sufi communities, Kannaujias, Aggarwals, Kambojs, Khatri-Aroras, Bazigar-Tapriwas groups, and Gujjars, among others.
This initiative aims to enhance welfare outreach and community participation across the state, ensuring that development schemes reach the grassroots effectively.
