Addressing a Lok Milni programme among residents of Badwa village in Rupnagar (Ropar) on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people of Punjab had decisively rejected the politics of loot, privilege and deception in 2022 by voting out seven former Chief Ministers and their families and placing their faith in an honest government. Taking aim at the Congress, BJP and Akalis, he said these parties have no development agenda for Punjab and remain interested only in power and vested interests. He asserted that while opposition leaders are unable to digest Punjab’s progress under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, every rupee of taxpayers’ money is now being spent on public welfare rather than on luxuries for those in power.

The Chief Minister also said that the BJP imposed anti-farmer laws, the Akalis misused religion for political gains, and the renewed Akali-BJP alliance is merely an opportunistic attempt to regain power, which the people of Punjab will firmly reject.

Addressing the gathering on Monday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Aam Aadmi Party is giving nightmares to leaders of traditional political parties who have misused power for their vested interests for decades. More than 700 farmers were martyred during the agitation against the anti-farmer laws imposed by the BJP. It is a fact that the BJP has always treated Punjab unfairly and today these parties are attempting to divide people in the name of religion for political gains.”

Taking a strong swipe at the renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the alliance would prove politically disastrous for both parties because it is based neither on ideology nor on any commitment towards public welfare. He said, “This alliance is aimed solely at grabbing power in Punjab. Leaders of both parties have repeatedly spoken against each other and hurled accusations at one another. The people of Punjab are asking with what face they will now seek votes together. The people will not be misled by such political theatrics and will teach them a befitting lesson in the coming days.”

Highlighting the work of his government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has dedicated his sweat and toil to ensuring the all-round development of Punjab and that every passing day is witnessing new pro-people initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens. He said, “Unlike my predecessors, I have never taken even a single penny from the public exchequer. Rather, I have ensured that every rupee belonging to taxpayers is spent judiciously for public welfare. As the son and brother of the people of Punjab, I have focused on sharing their hardships and solving their problems instead of living a life of luxury.”

The Chief Minister said that no previous ruler had ever reached out to people in such a direct manner to understand their difficulties and resolve them with dedication. He said that earlier governments remained confined within the walls of palatial residences and rarely interacted with ordinary citizens. “Those arrogant politicians remained disconnected from the people and today they are baffled by every initiative of the Punjab Government. On the other hand, I remain among the people, seeking feedback and framing development-oriented and citizen-centric policies that are accelerating Punjab’s progress,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that his government’s continuous efforts for Punjab’s development have left opposition leaders frustrated. “They cannot digest the fact that the welfare of common people and the progress of Punjab are now the government’s top priorities. Their constant criticism only reflects their desperation. I may not have experience in looting public wealth, but I certainly know how to share the pain of ordinary people and resolve their issues. I am working with complete dedication for the prosperity of Punjab and its people, and that is what troubles the opposition,” he added.

Criticising previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that regions blessed with immense natural beauty and abundant resources were neglected for years because successive governments failed to harness their potential. He said that for decades only two political formations alternated in power while exploiting the sentiments of people and looting the resources of the state.

“The people of Punjab now have an alternative in the ‘jhaadu’(AAP’s electoral symbol), which has cleansed the political system of the state. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the people rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and entrusted power to an honest government. That historic mandate has played a pivotal role in transforming Punjab and making it a frontrunner among Indian states,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the AAP Government in the irrigation sector, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab utilised 96% of available canal water this year through an improved irrigation system, significantly benefiting farmers. He said that water that earlier went waste is now being productively utilised across agricultural areas. The Chief Minister said, “The AAP Government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state to ensure irrigation facilities reach every corner of Punjab. Around 21,000 cusecs of water have been released through these pipelines and watercourses, helping farmers meet their irrigation requirements. This quantity of water is equivalent to the supply of two Bhakra canals and will immensely benefit farmers.”

He further said that recharge points have been developed in canals and rivers to improve groundwater levels. “As a result, the groundwater table has risen by two to four metres in several areas. This demonstrates how taxpayers’ money is being utilised responsibly and returned to people through development projects, schools, hospitals, roads and other welfare initiatives,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP Government has also closed toll plazas, saving people nearly ₹70 lakh every day. He reiterated that public money is being spent solely for public welfare and not for the benefit of a select few.

Highlighting healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that nearly 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established across Punjab, where 107 medicines and 47 diagnostic tests are being provided free of cost. He said that no previous government in the last 75 years had bothered to provide such healthcare facilities to ordinary citizens. “These clinics have strengthened people’s faith in government healthcare institutions. Around 75,000 people visit these clinics every day for treatment, demonstrating the trust people have developed in this initiative,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that every penny from the state exchequer is being utilised for the welfare of Punjab’s people. He stated that more than 90 per cent of households in the state are receiving free electricity and that farmers are now receiving daytime power supply, a long-standing demand that had remained unfulfilled for decades. “At a time when valuable national assets are being handed over to select corporate interests at throwaway prices, Punjab has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amardass Ji. This reflects our commitment to strengthening public assets rather than weakening them,” he said.

Speaking about women’s welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna under which women above 18 years of age from all other categories receive ₹1,000 per month while women from the Scheduled Caste category receive ₹1,500 per month. “For ordinary families, especially poor households, ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 is a significant amount. More importantly, this assistance represents respect and dignity for mothers and daughters. The smiles on the faces of women benefiting from this scheme provide immense satisfaction,” he said.

Highlighting educational reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that teachers and principals from government schools are being sent abroad for specialised training to enhance their professional skills and improve classroom teaching standards. He said that Punjab has achieved the top rank in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala.

The Chief Minister said, “Students in government schools are now receiving specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT. I am delighted to share that nearly 300 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. These achievements demonstrate the remarkable transformation taking place in Punjab’s education sector.”

He said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers are receiving electricity during daytime hours for irrigation, which has transformed agricultural operations and improved farmers’ quality of life.

Drawing a comparison with the BJP government in Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while Punjab is continuously expanding welfare initiatives for common people, similar programmes have been discontinued elsewhere after governments changed. “These parties have always opposed policies aimed at benefiting ordinary citizens and remain reluctant to implement people-centric programmes,” he said.

Speaking about healthcare coverage, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first scheme of its kind in the country to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. “It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab is the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. This scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare services. More than ₹650 crore worth of free treatment has already been availed by beneficiaries,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers have been provided more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply to agricultural tube wells during the paddy season. He reiterated that every rupee from the public exchequer is being spent for public welfare and development.

Highlighting infrastructure development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched a massive programme for the repair and upgradation of link roads across the state. He said that Punjab has approximately 43,000 kilometres of link roads and that a comprehensive project has been launched to repair and modernise them. “The AAP Government has taken another historic decision. Along with repairing these roads, their maintenance will also be ensured for the next five years. This will guarantee better connectivity and improve transportation facilities for rural and urban residents alike,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the AAP Government has also launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to improve road safety and save precious lives on state and national highways. “Specially trained and newly recruited personnel, including women, have been deployed as part of this force. A total of 1,597 personnel supported by 144 fully equipped vehicles are working across Punjab’s highways. Since the launch of the force in February last year, road accident fatalities have declined by 48.10%,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force has been deployed across 4,200 kilometres of accident-prone highways and functions both as a rapid response mechanism and as a deterrent against traffic violations. “Even Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has appreciated this initiative on the floor of Parliament,” he added.

Speaking about the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Almighty had bestowed upon him the opportunity to serve humanity through this historic legislation. He said, “Under this law, anyone found guilty of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) can face imprisonment ranging from ten years to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50 lakh. If the offender fails to pay the fine, their property can be sold. The purpose of this law is to ensure that future generations understand the serious consequences of hurting people’s sentiments by disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib Ji.”

Expressing hope that the legislation would act as a strong deterrent against beadbi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji occupies a sacred place in the hearts of Sikhs and that it is the responsibility of the government to protect its sanctity. “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh. It is our collective duty to ensure its respect and sanctity. If the government does not take responsibility in this regard, nobody else will. The Akalis misused religion for their political interests and the people have not forgotten that. We are fortunate to have been entrusted with the responsibility of passing this historic legislation, which will help prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.

Marking another major milestone in the Punjab Government’s employment drive, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday handed over appointment letters to 355 youth, taking the total number of government jobs provided since the formation of the government to 67,037. Declaring the achievement as proof of a new recruitment culture in Punjab, the Chief Minister said that for the first time, government jobs are being secured purely on the basis of merit, transparency and fair competition, without recommendations, political influence or corruption. The Chief Minister said that while incidents of paper leaks, including NEET, have shaken the confidence of youth across the country and 93 examination papers have reportedly been leaked nationwide since 2017, Punjab has not witnessed a single paper leak since 2022.

Highlighting the government’s larger vision for youth empowerment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is not only creating jobs but also building opportunities that encourage young people to stay, grow and succeed in their own state. Pointing to the beginning of reverse migration, a pathway to regularisation for 65,000 contractual employees, and major investments in skill development through 25 new ITIs and the upgradation of 13 existing institutes, he said the government is committed to giving Punjab’s youth the confidence, opportunities and wings to build their future at home.

The appointment letters were distributed to newly selected candidates in the departments of Technical Education, Cooperation, Local Government, Water Supply and Sanitation, Animal Husbandry, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, and other departments. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the day marked another important milestone in the state government’s ongoing mission to empower Punjab’s youth through employment and good governance.

Sharing a few snippets from this event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, 355 more youths were handed appointment letters, taking the total number of government jobs provided so far to 67,037. All these jobs have been given purely on the basis of merit and transparency. At a time when papers like NEET are being leaked across the country, Punjab has set an example by ensuring honest recruitment and securing the top position in the nation in the field of education. I appeal to the newly recruited employees to prioritise the work of senior citizens and the common people in government offices. The AAP Government is fully committed to preventing the migration of youth abroad and providing them with opportunities and wings to progress here in Punjab itself.”

Congratulating the newly appointed candidates and their families, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The sole criterion for selection has been hard work, dedication and merit. Gone are the days when government jobs were distributed on the basis of bribery, recommendations or political connections. Today, jobs are being given to deserving candidates through a fair and transparent process. The youth who have been selected today have burnt the midnight oil to achieve success and this is only the beginning of their journey. The sky is the limit for them and they must continue striving for greater achievements.”

The Chief Minister said all appointments made by the Punjab Government have been conducted purely on the basis of merit, transparency and fairness, without any recommendation or political influence. He noted that several young candidates had successfully secured government jobs multiple times in different departments, demonstrating the credibility, competitiveness and integrity of the recruitment process. “Our government has succeeded in creating employment opportunities for youth in every village, town and city of Punjab. This achievement belongs to the hardworking youth of Punjab who trusted their abilities and succeeded through merit,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from this day forward, the newly appointed employees have become an integral part of the government family and would play a key role in the collective mission of rebuilding a prosperous and vibrant Punjab. “Together, we will leave no stone unturned in restoring the glory of Rangla Punjab. Every one of you now has an important responsibility towards society and the state. The government has fulfilled its duty by providing opportunities. Now it is your turn to serve the people with honesty, dedication and commitment,” he said.

Highlighting the transparent recruitment process adopted by the Punjab Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann contrasted Punjab’s record with the situation prevailing in several other parts of the country. He said, “Since 2017, around 93 examination papers have reportedly been leaked across the country. Incidents involving major examinations, including NEET, have disappointed and demoralised lakhs of youth. However, after our government assumed office in 2022, not even a single paper leak incident has surfaced in Punjab. This is because an honest government is working in the state. Meritorious students are getting jobs and opportunities based on their talent and hard work.”

The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government had so far provided 67,037 government jobs completely on merit and every appointment had been made without corruption, nepotism or favouritism.

Referring to the government’s education reforms under Sikhya Kranti, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab had witnessed a remarkable transformation in the education sector. “When our government assumed office, Punjab was ranked 27th in the country in school education. Today, according to NITI Aayog, Punjab has emerged as the number one state in school education, surpassing states such as Kerala. This achievement has been made possible because we invested in strengthening government schools and creating world-class educational infrastructure,” he said.

The Chief Minister said schools across Punjab were now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern infrastructure, creating an environment that encouraged learning, innovation and excellence. “Students are excelling in every field because they are receiving quality education in government schools. The transformation that has taken place in Punjab’s education sector is unprecedented,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that government schools in Punjab now had world-class trained teachers. “Our principals and education officers have received world-class training in Singapore. Head teachers have undergone advanced training at IIM Ahmedabad. Primary teachers have received specialised training at Turku University in Finland. The objective behind these initiatives is to enhance the expertise of our teachers so that students studying in government schools receive the highest quality education,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has established 118 Schools of Eminence across the state, describing them as a historic intervention aimed at securing a bright future for children from ordinary and underprivileged backgrounds. “These Schools of Eminence are emerging as temples of modern education. They are illuminating the lives of students and creating opportunities that were previously unavailable to many families. Their success can be measured from the fact that students from private schools are now taking admission in Schools of Eminence. This itself is proof of the trust people have developed in the government education system,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that students in these institutions were being provided specialised coaching for Armed Forces preparatory programmes, NEET, JEE, CLAT, NIFT and several other competitive examinations. “We are preparing our children not merely to pass examinations but to compete successfully at the national level and secure leadership positions in every field,” he said.

Turning to technical education and skill development, the Chief Minister said his government is making determined efforts to create a highly skilled and future-ready workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern industries and emerging technologies. He said, “We have undertaken several transformative initiatives to strengthen technical education and enhance employability among the youth. Construction of 25 new Industrial Training Institutes is currently underway. At the same time, 13 existing ITIs are being upgraded with better infrastructure and modern facilities.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said an investment of ₹20 crore had been made for the modernisation of Government Polytechnic Colleges. “In addition to this, the Captain Amol Kalia Centre of Excellence is being established at Nangal at a cost of ₹23 crore. This institution will serve as a hub for advanced skill development and industry-oriented training and will help prepare young people for the jobs of the future,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said that a Semester Internship Programme had been introduced across all 91 Polytechnic Colleges in Punjab. “This initiative enables students to gain practical industry exposure and acquire job-ready skills while studying. Our aim is to bridge the gap between education and employment and ensure that our youth are fully prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing economy,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these initiatives reflected the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce, enhancing employability and creating greater opportunities for the youth of the state.

Extending his best wishes to the newly recruited employees, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that they would carve a niche for themselves in the coming years through hard work and dedication.

He urged them to believe in the power of perseverance and determination. “Hard work is the sole key to success. Punjab offers limitless opportunities for growth and prosperity. You should strive to create your own identity and leave a positive mark on society. Never stop dreaming and never stop working towards those dreams because the sky is the limit,” he said.

Drawing a comparison between the role of the government and an airport runway, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the responsibility of the state was to provide opportunities and support systems that enabled young people to achieve their aspirations. “An airport runway does not fly the aircraft. It only facilitates a smooth take-off. In the same way, the state government is creating an enabling environment that allows our youth to realise their dreams. We are giving wings to the ambitions of young minds and making every possible effort to ensure their success,” he said.

The Chief Minister said it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that all jobs had been provided completely on merit without corruption or nepotism.

He reiterated that the Punjab Government was committed to ensuring that no young person felt compelled to migrate abroad in search of opportunities. “We want to create such opportunities within Punjab that our youth choose to build their future here. This is essential for fulfilling the dreams of our freedom fighters and for strengthening our state. In fact, due to the efforts of the government, reverse migration is already being witnessed and many young Punjabis are returning from abroad to serve and contribute to their homeland,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the jobs being provided by the government were not favours but the rightful entitlement of deserving candidates. “These young men and women deserve these jobs because of their capability and hard work. Unfortunately, previous governments never paid attention to them. Today, they have succeeded entirely on merit and that is a matter of pride for every Punjabi,” he said.

The Chief Minister exhorted the newly recruited youth to become active and dedicated members of the government system and serve the people with missionary zeal. “Now that you have become part of the government family, your duty is to work for the welfare of the people. Use your pen and authority to help the needy, the underprivileged and those who require support from the government. Ensure that every section of society benefits from your work,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that all recruitments had been conducted through a completely transparent process and candidates had secured employment only after succeeding in highly competitive examinations. “The sole agenda of our government from day one has been to empower the youth by providing employment opportunities. Today is a historic day because you have become active partners in Punjab’s socio-economic development and progress,” he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the Punjab Government’s landmark decision regarding contractual employees. He said, “In a major welfare-oriented decision, the state government has decided to end the contractual system and begin the process of regularising the services of around 65,000 employees.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said more than 65,000 contractual workers had devoted the best years of their lives to serving Punjab. “These employees have worked tirelessly for the state. It is only fair that they receive dignity, security and stability in their employment. Going forward, there will be no contractors standing between them and the state government,” he said.

The Chief Minister said these employees would now have direct employment, greater dignity and a clear pathway towards permanent service.

He explained that workers currently engaged through private contractors in Punjab Government departments and entities would be brought directly under state employment. “After five years of continuous outsourced service, employees will become eligible for direct state employment. Subsequently, after completing ten years of contractual service, they will be considered for absorption against regular sanctioned posts,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said two new laws were being introduced to facilitate this transition. “The first law will govern the transition from outsourced employment to direct state contractual employment. The second law will provide a pathway from direct state contractual employment to regular service against sanctioned vacancies. This is a historic step that will transform the lives of thousands of employees and their families,” he said.

Meanwhile, newly recruited candidates from different parts of Punjab praised the Chief Minister and the Punjab Government for ensuring a completely merit-based, free and fair recruitment process.

They said securing a government job without political backing, recommendations or bribery had finally become a reality and represented a major transformation in Punjab’s employment system.

Ranjodh Singh from Dhuri lauded the Chief Minister for prioritising merit over favouritism and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Echoing similar sentiments, Kala Singh, an ex-serviceman from village Buta Singh Wala in Patiala, said the recruitment process had been conducted with complete transparency and there had been absolutely no scope for manipulation.

Manpreet Kaur from Amritsar described the day as historic for her and her family. Thanking the Chief Minister, she said she had secured the job without any influential reference or payment and that her hard work had finally been rewarded.The transparent recruitment process had broken long-standing barriers for many families and restored confidence among young people,” she added.

Parmeet Kaur from Mohali expressed immense happiness at becoming the first member of her family to secure a government job. She said the selection process had been conducted in a thoroughly fair and transparent manner and that the opportunity had transformed the future of her family.

In another inspiring example, the son of a watchman secured his fourth government job offer entirely through merit. He said the transparent recruitment process had encouraged many of his NRI friends to consider returning to Punjab and applying for government jobs.

Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with several other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.

Bhagwant Mann Govt creates 67,037 jobs on merit, expands skill infrastructure with 25 new ITIs and major investments in technical education

Key Achievements of Bhagwant Mann Govt

• 67,037 government jobs provided since 2022 purely on the basis of merit, transparency and without recommendations.
• Youth from across Punjab’s villages, towns and cities have benefited from the government’s employment drive.
• Recruitment is continuing in several departments, with more jobs in the pipeline.
• Several candidates have secured government jobs multiple times through competitive examinations, reflecting confidence in the recruitment system.

Skill Development & Technical Education Reforms

• 25 new ITIs under construction across Punjab.
• 13 existing ITIs being upgraded with improved infrastructure and facilities.
• ⁠₹20 crore spent on modernisation of Government Polytechnic Colleges.
• ⁠₹12 crore invested in construction, repair and renovation of Government Polytechnic buildings.
• ⁠Cyber-Physical Systems Labs being established in 8 Government Polytechnics with support from IIT Ropar.
• ⁠Innovation Labs established in 5 Government Polytechnics.
• ⁠Captain Amol Kalia Centre of Excellence being established at Nangal at a cost of ₹23 crore.
• ⁠New ITI at Sardulgarh being built at a cost of ₹17 crore.
• ⁠Semester Internship Programme introduced across all 91 Polytechnic Colleges to provide industry exposure and job-ready skills.