Chandigarh, Jan 4, 2026 – A first-of-its-kind initiative – the Punjab government has approved a 33% reservation for women in all government jobs, covering Group A, B, C, and D posts. The decision aims to increase female participation in public service and governance.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the measure as a step toward a more inclusive administration. “Providing opportunities to women is not just about equality; it is a guarantee for a better future,” he said.
Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, said the policy will allow women to contribute to decision-making and strengthen the state’s administrative machinery. “This is an important step to ensure women are represented at all levels of governance,” she added.
The announcement aligns with previous initiatives supporting women. The Aashirwad Scheme recently disbursed over ₹13 crore for marriages of daughters from disadvantaged families, while the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana provides monthly financial support to promote economic independence.
Despite rising literacy, female workforce participation in Punjab lags behind the national average, government data show. Women’s employment rose to 25.2% in 2022-23 from 21.1% in 2020-21, still below the national average of 36%. Analysts say the new reservation could help reduce this disparity.
State officials say the policy marks a historic push for gender justice and social equality, reinforcing the Mann government’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab.”
