Chandigarh, August 21: Punjab has become the first state in the country to provide more than 55,000 government jobs to youth in just three years, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, while handing over appointment letters to 271 newly recruited employees.
“Unlike the previous governments, which distributed a handful of jobs at the fag end of their tenure, my government began this process from the first day in office,” Mann said.
“So far, 55,000 youth have been given government jobs, all strictly on the basis of merit.”
The Chief Minister, addressing the function, told the new recruits they were not recipients of a favor but had earned their positions through hard work and competition.
“It is a matter of immense pride that you have joined the Punjab government family. Now use your pen to serve the needy and underprivileged with missionary zeal,” he urged.
Mann described the large-scale recruitment as part of his government’s “Mission Rozgar,” calling it a historical juncture in Punjab’s development. He said the transparent process adopted by his administration had ensured that jobs were given only to deserving candidates who cleared examinations through “cut-throat competition.”
“These appointments reflect our commitment to the holistic progress of Punjab,” he noted, adding that youth employment remains the central agenda of his government.
Turning his address towards education reforms, the Chief Minister took a swipe at previous political leaders for neglecting schools. “The sons and daughters of big leaders studied in convent schools in the hills, while government schools were reduced to mere mid-day meal centres,” he said.
In contrast, Mann said, the present administration is upgrading schools to “Schools of Eminence,” which has helped Punjab secure the top spot in the National Achievement Survey of the Government of India, surpassing Kerala.
Citing recent academic results, he said 848 government school students had qualified NEET, 265 cleared JEE Mains, and 45 qualified JEE Advanced. “No concession card or freebie can end poverty,” Mann said. “Only education can lift people out of the vicious cycle by improving their standard of living.”
The Chief Minister also accused traditional parties of plundering Punjab for decades and ignoring the aspirations of its people. “We never aspired to join politics, but the merciless exploitation by earlier regimes forced us to step in,” he said. “Those opportunist leaders were thrown out by the people, who opened the way for new politics.”
Mann contrasted his government’s approach with earlier administrations, which he said were “skeptical of even meeting the people.” Today, he said, policies are being shaped by public feedback, and efforts are being made to make citizens active partners in social and economic growth.
“Punjab is witnessing a new era of unprecedented development,” Mann asserted. “Education, health, power, employment and other sectors have seen unparalleled progress in the last three years because our intent is clear—to serve people with dedication and integrity.”
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that his government would “leave no stone unturned” in safeguarding the interests of Punjab and ensuring prosperity for all.
Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Dr. Ravjot Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Tejveer Singh, Secretary Education Anindita Mitra and other officials were present at the event.
