30 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has said that his government is creating employment and educational opportunities to help young people build their future in the state instead of migrating abroad in search of better prospects. He said the government’s development strategy focuses on expanding opportunities, strengthening public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach ordinary families.
Mann made these remarks during a ‘Lok Milni’ programme at Kamalpura village in the Jagraon constituency of Ludhiana district on Thursday. Highlighting the government’s initiatives, he referred to more than 70,000 government jobs, improvements in government schools and investments in rural development as examples of the changes taking place in Punjab.
More Than 70,000 Government Jobs Highlighted
The Chief Minister said his government had provided over 70,000 government jobs to young people, claiming that recruitment was being carried out on merit without payment or political recommendations.
He said the government wanted to create an environment where young people could find employment and pursue their ambitions within Punjab rather than being compelled to move overseas.
Mann described employment generation as an important part of the state’s development strategy. According to him, transparent recruitment and better opportunities were helping restore confidence among young people who had previously looked outside Punjab for career prospects.
Government Schools and Education Reforms
Mann also highlighted improvements in the state’s education system, saying government schools were being strengthened to provide students with better opportunities.
He cited the achievement of 882 students from government schools who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) this year. The Chief Minister presented this as an indication of the progress being made in public education.
He said investment in education was essential to ensuring that students from ordinary families could compete for professional courses and build successful careers.
The government, he added, was working to improve educational facilities and create an environment where talent and hard work could help students achieve their goals.
₹51 Lakh Cheque for Kamalpura Village Development
During the Lok Milni programme, Mann handed over a cheque of ₹51 lakh to the village sarpanch for comprehensive development works in Kamalpura.
He said rural development remained an important priority and that government resources should reach villages and improve the everyday lives of residents.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his government’s commitment to farmers and women, stressing that development should benefit different sections of society.
Mann Attacks Opposition Parties
During his address, Mann criticised Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, accusing them of focusing more on political power than on Punjab’s development.
He alleged that opposition leaders were more concerned about political positions than addressing public problems. Taking aim at the Congress, he said its leaders were competing to become Chief Minister instead of concentrating on public service.
Mann also criticised previous political leadership, claiming that his government’s focus on public welfare had brought it into conflict with established political interests.
Majithia Chargesheet Also Mentioned
The Chief Minister referred to the filing of a chargesheet against senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Mann said the development would make it difficult for Majithia to escape accountability.
He also accused previous political establishments of damaging Punjab’s interests and contributing to problems faced by the state’s youth.
These remarks formed part of his broader criticism of previous governments and their handling of employment, drugs and public resources.
CM Warns Against Negative Image of Punjab
Mann also objected to what he described as attempts to associate Punjab’s identity primarily with drugs. He said Punjab had a rich history of bravery, sports and contribution to the country, and that its image should not be reduced to negative narratives.
He alleged that those responsible for damaging the state’s economy and the lives of young people must be held accountable.
The Chief Minister said his government’s focus was on creating opportunities, improving public services and strengthening the state’s development.
The Lok Milni programme brought together the government’s employment, education and rural-development priorities. Mann reiterated that young people should have the opportunity to study, work and establish their careers in Punjab, while the government continues to invest in facilities and initiatives aimed at improving the state’s future.