Jalandhar, October 30
Former union minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Sampla on Thursday slammed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for making misleading claims about employment opportunities in the state, and said that, “Instead of presenting an exaggerated picture of development in Punjab, Mann should first take responsibility for the worsening employment situation in Punjab”.
Reacting to Mann’s claims that his government had provided 70,000 government jobs which has stopping youth from migrating abroad, Sampla said, “The Chief Minister must understand the ground realities before making such statements. Punjab has traditionally witnessed substantial migration to countries such as Canada, Australia and the UK, as thousands of youngsters continue to look overseas for better opportunities and a secure future. Migration patterns have now been influenced by increasingly stringent immigration policies introduced by these countries, not because of ‘opportunities’ provided by Mann. The Chief Minister should think before making such claims.”
Citing recent reports, the senior BJP leader said Punjab’s youth unemployment figures paint a grim picture. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey for April-June 2026, the unemployment rate among youngsters aged 15-29 in Punjab stood at 22.3 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 15.9 per cent.
Another report highlighted Punjab’s 27.7 per cent NEET rate among youth aged 15-29, indicating the proportion neither employed nor pursuing education or training. “Instead of publicising figures through advertisements and political events, the Mann government should explain why Punjab’s youngsters are still struggling to find jobs. Announcements of 70,000 government jobs cannot hide the larger crisis of unemployment, limited opportunities and growing frustration among the youth,” Sampla said, adding that BJP stands firmly with Punjab’s youth and will continue to raise their concerns.