Punjab Government Creates Over 61,000 Jobs in 4 Years, Says CM Bhagwant Mann

The Punjab government has generated over 61,000 government jobs for youth in the last four years, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Saturday, asserting that the recruitment drive reflects a decisive shift towards transparency, merit and inclusive governance.

Addressing a gathering at Tagore Theatre while distributing appointment letters to 606 newly recruited Education Department employees, the Chief Minister said the state’s flagship Mission Rozgar initiative has transformed public hiring by eliminating favouritism and political interference.

According to Mann, since assuming office in April 2022, the government has provided 61,281 government jobs across departments, with every appointment made strictly on merit. He stressed that none of these recruitments have faced legal challenges, which he said validates the fairness and credibility of the process.

“This government does not believe in backdoor entries or family-based politics. Earlier regimes treated government jobs as personal assets. Today, every capable and deserving youth in Punjab has an equal opportunity,” Mann said.

The latest batch of recruits includes 385 Special Educator Teachers, 157 Primary Teachers, eight Principals, and 56 employees appointed on compassionate grounds. Mann said the appointments underline the government’s focus on strengthening the education system while creating dignified employment opportunities.

Highlighting social inclusion, the Chief Minister said a separate cadre of Special Educator Teachers has been created to support nearly 48,000 children with special needs studying in government schools. He described these teachers as “nation builders” whose work extends beyond classrooms to shaping lives and serving society.

Mann also spoke about large-scale investments in teacher training and global exposure. He said hundreds of school principals and education officers have received international training, including programmes in Singapore, Finland and premier Indian institutions, aimed at improving leadership and classroom outcomes.

As part of education reforms, the Punjab government is establishing 118 Schools of Eminence, designed to provide high-quality education to students from economically weaker sections. The initiative includes modern infrastructure, free uniforms, and enhanced academic facilities.

The Chief Minister further highlighted welfare-oriented measures such as free bus services for schoolgirls, aimed at reducing dropout rates and improving access to education, especially in rural areas.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the reforms have significantly improved learning conditions in government schools. He noted that basic infrastructure gaps, such as seating facilities, have been fully addressed, ensuring a dignified learning environment for every student.

Several newly appointed teachers shared their experiences at the event, describing the recruitment process as transparent and long-awaited. Many said the appointments marked the fulfilment of dreams after years of preparation and uncertainty.

Reiterating his government’s vision, Mann said Punjab’s progress depends on empowering its youth through jobs, education and equal opportunity. He added that employment generation will remain a core priority of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab.