Chandigarh, November 3
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to 801 newly recruited youth in Mohali, giving them a Diwali gift of government jobs and taking the total number of recruitments under his government to 71,777. Asserting that every appointment had been made entirely free of cost and strictly on merit, without ‘Cash’ or ‘farmaish’ (recommendation), he said that unlike previous governments, where government jobs were sold for lakhs of rupees through money, recommendations and ‘Vaddhi’ (bribe), his government had ensured transparent recruitment without a single rupee of bribe. Challenging the opposition to point out even one instance of corruption in recruitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that another 600 youth would receive government jobs next week, reaffirming his government’s commitment to employment, merit and building a ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Sharing a few snippets on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Today, appointment letters were distributed to 801 newly recruited candidates in Mohali. So far, we have provided government jobs to more than 71,777 youth, entirely free of cost and strictly on the basis of merit. Owing to the work undertaken in the education sector, Punjab today ranks number one in the country in primary education. Our aim is to make Punjab ‘Rangla Punjab’ once again by bringing employment and prosperity to every household. Heartiest congratulations to the newly appointed youth and their families. Serve the people of Punjab with complete honesty and dedication.”
Addressing a gathering after handing over appointment letters to 801 newly recruited youth, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The opposition is indulging in a malicious campaign against me in the absence of any substantive issue. I challenge these leaders to prove even a single allegation of corruption against me or quit politics. They are frustrated because they cannot digest the unprecedented pace of development and public welfare initiatives being undertaken by our government.”
Taking a dig at the Akali Dal and Congress, he said that these parties had collectively pushed Punjab towards economic and social distress through their self-serving politics. “Leaders of these parties are now working hand in glove to defame me because they cannot accept that an ordinary person, without any political dynasty or inherited power, is working for the ordinary people of Punjab. Our answer to their allegations will always be our work, our achievements and the smiles on the faces of ordinary families,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that the Akali leadership had captured lucrative businesses, including mining, during its tenure and exploited the state’s resources for personal gains. “Those who looted Punjab for years are now preaching sermons on honesty. The people of the state have not forgotten how these leaders betrayed their trust and mortgaged the future of generations for their vested interests,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Akali Dal (Badal) leaders once claimed that they would rule Punjab for 25 years, but today the party is struggling to find even 25 credible leaders within its own ranks.”
Addressing the newly recruited youth, the Chief Minister said that the day was historic and emotional for 801 families whose young members had earned the distinction of becoming government servants through their hard work and dedication. “With today’s appointments, the total number of government jobs provided by our government has reached 71,777. All these jobs have been given purely on merit, without any discrimination or recommendation. These appointment letters are not merely pieces of paper but symbols of hope, dignity and a secure future for thousands of families,” he said.
Every appointment, he added, represented the dreams of a young person and the aspirations of an entire family. “Our government has ensured that talent, and not political connections or money, determines the future of Punjab’s youth.”
The Chief Minister said that the opposition had repeatedly levelled allegations against him, claiming that he was plundering the state exchequer. “Every work undertaken by our government is for public welfare. The state exchequer belongs to the people of Punjab, and every penny of public money is being spent for their welfare. Unlike those who treated the state treasury as their personal property, we consider ourselves trustees of the people’s money,” he said.