Chandigarh, April 3: During a high-level briefing in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that his government has successfully overhauled Punjab’s administrative and employment systems over the last four years. The Chief Minister affirmed that 65,264 youths have been inducted into government service without the need for recommendations or “middlemen,” marking a sharp departure from past political practices.
The administration’s “Hunar Vikas Mission” has complemented these hiring efforts by establishing five Multi-Skill Development Centers, which have already trained 125,000 individuals. Additionally, the Chief Minister stated that special preparatory institutes have successfully guided dozens of candidates into the National Defence Academy and commissioned officer roles in the armed forces.
“All jobs were given purely on merit and eligibility, without any bribery or favoritism,” Chief Minister Mann asserted. He maintained that the government’s focus on transparency has encouraged many Punjabi youths to return from abroad to seek stable employment within the state.
The Chief Minister also addressed farmer welfare and rural infrastructure, announcing a pilot project to move high-tension power lines underground to reduce crop risks. He stated that this initiative would begin in his native village before being expanded. On the legislative front, he affirmed that a special Assembly session on Baisakhi would introduce amendments to ensure life imprisonment for those committing acts of sacrilege.
Regarding the upcoming wheat procurement season, the Chief Minister stated that all arrangements are in place for a seamless process. He noted that while he has repeatedly advocated for the concerns of ‘Aarthiyas’ (commission agents) at the central level, the state remains committed to a hassle-free experience for farmers. Cabinet Minister Aman Arora was among the senior leaders present during the presentation of the government’s progress report.
