CM Mann Hands Over 2,105 Appointment Letters, Says 59,000 Jobs Given on Merit in Punjab

Amritsar, November 7, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday distributed appointment letters to 2,105 newly recruited employees in the state’s power utilities, reaffirming his government’s commitment to merit-based employment. Mann said the administration has provided 58,962 jobs since taking office, ensuring that “every opportunity is earned through hard work, not recommendations or bribes.”

Addressing the recruits at a ceremony held at Government Medical College, the Chief Minister said job creation remains central to his governance agenda as unemployment often drives social problems. The new appointees include 2,023 linemen, 48 internal auditors, and 35 revenue accountants who have joined the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL). Mann noted that since April 2022, nearly 9,000 appointments have been made in these two corporations alone.

He highlighted that the recruitment process under his government has been transparent and corruption-free, unlike in previous administrations. “Not a single appointment has been challenged in court. Our youth now trust that honesty and merit are the only criteria for employment,” Mann said.

Drawing inspiration from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s perseverance, Mann urged the recruits to serve people with dedication and compassion. “The government is the runway; your talent is the aircraft,” he said, encouraging them to contribute to Punjab’s growth while upholding social responsibility.

The Chief Minister also linked employment to social stability, saying that job opportunities are key to keeping youth away from drugs and other vices. He appealed to the new recruits to support the state’s campaign against narcotics.

On the power sector, Mann said his government cleared ₹2,000 crore in Powercom liabilities and provided 600 units of free electricity to around 90% of households since July 2022. He added that the reopening of the Pachhwara coal mine has stabilized power supply and that the government purchased the GVK Goindwal Sahib thermal plant for ₹1,080 crore, renaming it after Guru Amar Das to honor Punjab’s heritage.

Criticizing earlier governments for “selling public assets for pennies,” Mann said his administration is investing every rupee in welfare and development. He accused previous regimes of leaving Punjab burdened with ₹2.75 lakh crore in debt without delivering tangible progress.

Mann also cautioned the Centre against “interfering” in Punjab’s internal matters, calling the dissolution of Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate an insult to Punjabi pride and intellectual legacy. He reiterated Punjab’s firm stance on retaining its share of water resources, saying the state “will not bow” to pressure from other regions.

Punjab State Power Corporation chairman-cum-managing director Basant Garg and other senior officials attended the event, where several new recruits thanked the Chief Minister for the opportunity.