Chandigarh, November 7, 2025 – For decades, women in Punjab were unable to join the Fire Brigade due to outdated physical standards—until the Mann government intervened with historic amendments as the state has now lowered the weight-lifting requirement from 60 kilograms to 40 kilograms and relaxed height norms, allowing women to compete fairly and pursue careers in firefighting.
The change comes after repeated failures by candidates such as Simaranjit Kaur from Amritsar, who said, “My brother told me—no matter how well you do, that 60 kilos will block your way. And it did. Now we finally have a chance.” Approximately 1,400 women had applied in 2022, but the strict male-oriented standards excluded them all despite strong written exam performances.
Senior officials spoke about the philosophy behind the reform: capability is not measured in weight alone, but in agility, skill, and courage. The Punjab Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2024, codifies these changes, ensuring merit-based inclusion rather than symbolic gestures.
With the new rules, dozens of female candidates have already passed the physical tests. They are set to join the Punjab Fire and Emergency Services, stepping into frontline roles and proving that gender is not a barrier to bravery. The government’s policy shift marks a decisive end to decades of inequality, inspiring hope and signaling a new era where Punjab’s daughters can move forward on equal footing.
