Govt jobs pave Punjab youth’s path 

November 18, 2025

In a significant move aimed at empowering the youth and strengthening the state’s power sector, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann handed over appointment letters to 2,105 young individuals recruited in the Punjab State Power Corporation recently. The event, held at the auditorium of the Government Medical College in Amritsar, marked another milestone in the state government’s ongoing campaign to provide meaningful employment opportunities to the youth. With this addition, the total number of government jobs created under the current administration has reached an unprecedented 58,962, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues in Punjab: unemployment.

At the ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted the broader vision behind these appointments. “Unemployment is the root cause of many social and economic problems,” Mann said. “It is our responsibility to ensure that our youth have the opportunity to earn a dignified living and contribute positively to society.” He detailed the specific roles being filled, including 2,023 linemen, 48 internal auditors, and 35 revenue accountants in PSPCL and PSTCL. Since April 2022, a total of 8,984 appointments have been made in these corporations, all based strictly on merit, a point Mann emphasized with pride.

The Chief Minister reflected on the stark contrast between his administration and previous governments. “Earlier, youth could only secure government jobs through cash or favors. We have completely ended that practice,” he said. “Now, merit is the only criterion, and every appointment is transparent. Not a single recruitment has faced legal challenges, which shows the integrity of our process.” Mann noted that such transparency has unsettled political opponents, who have been making baseless statements against the government in response.

Drawing inspiration from historical figures, Mann invoked the life of Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. “He faced enormous hardships but attained education and achieved greatness. Every young person should learn from his life and philosophy to excel in every field,” the Chief Minister said. He encouraged the newly appointed officials to approach their roles with a sense of mission and commitment, using their positions to serve the public and uplift the marginalized and underprivileged.

The Chief Minister also addressed structural reforms in the state’s power sector, underscoring the efforts to revive a financially troubled system. “When we assumed office, Powercom was drowning in debt. We cleared Rs 2,000 crore, ensuring stability and better services,” Mann said. The government’s initiatives, such as providing 600 units of free electricity to 90 percent of households and restarting the Pachhwara coal mine, have significantly improved the financial and operational position of the sector, making Punjab a surplus coal state. Additionally, the government acquired the GVK thermal plant in Goindwal Sahib for Rs 1,080 crore, renaming it after the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Das Ji. This move marked the first time in Punjab’s history that a state government purchased private property for public benefit, reversing decades of policies that saw public assets sold cheaply to private interests.

Bhagwant Mann’s speech also reflected his strong stance on governance and accountability. “Our government is focused entirely on development and welfare,” he said. “The debt inherited from previous regimes amounted to Rs 2.75 lakh crore, yet none of it was spent for the people. We are now using every penny for Punjab’s progress.” Mann drew attention to the disconnect between traditional political leaders and the ground realities of Punjab, highlighting that his administration’s policies are shaped by an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

In a firm address to the central government, Mann criticized interference in the state’s affairs. He referred to the recent actions against Panjab University, including dissolving the Senate and Syndicate, as direct attacks on Punjab’s heritage. “Panjab University is not just an academic institution—it is a symbol of our identity and pride,” he said. Mann reaffirmed the state’s refusal to succumb to pressures regarding water release from the Bhakra Dam or other central directives, emphasizing that Punjab knows how to fight for its rights and safeguard its interests.

Throughout the event, Mann conveyed a message of empowerment and responsibility to the youth. He compared the government to a runway that helps airplanes take off, encouraging the new recruits to use the opportunities provided to build successful careers. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he said, urging young people to channel their energy productively, participate in campaigns such as the war against drugs, and contribute to creating a safer, stronger society.

The atmosphere at the event was charged with emotion, as many of the newly appointed youth expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the opportunities provided. Mann’s address highlighted a government that combines visionary leadership with practical action, aiming to create a new generation of skilled, responsible, and socially conscious public servants. His message was clear: youth are the foundation of Punjab’s progress, and by empowering them, the state ensures a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens.