Chandigarh, November 1, 2025: The Punjab Language Department has raised objections to the ongoing recruitment process by Guru Ravidas Ayurved University (GRAU), Hoshiarpur, for 38 teaching posts at Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala, alleging violation of state language rules.
In a letter to the university registrar, the department questioned the “illegal relaxation” in Punjabi language eligibility, which allows candidates to clear the exam within three years of joining instead of having passed it before applying.
“As per the Punjab Civil Services Rule, no individual can be directly recruited to any post until they have passed matriculation with Punjabi or its equivalent,” said Jaswant Singh Jafar, Director of the Language Department.
The department has asked the university to amend the clause in its advertisement and align it with state recruitment norms.
However, GRAU Registrar Dr Sanjeev Goyal defended the move, saying, “We fall under the Punjab Medical Education Department, and there is a provision that allows candidates to clear Punjabi within three years of appointment.”
As per the official recruitment notice, candidates without Punjabi qualification at the time of application “will have to do so within three years from the date of joining.”
The state government rules permit relaxation only for compassionate appointments, allowing six months to qualify through the Language Wing exam.
The department said the university’s justification will be reviewed before deciding the next course of action.
