Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann called on the province’s youth to transition from job seekers to job creators during a significant gathering in Mohali on Saturday. Speaking at a Lok Milni event in Saneta village, the Chief Minister emphasized that his administration is actively building a robust ecosystem designed to support young entrepreneurs with full state backing. He asserted that the need for talented individuals to migrate abroad in search of employment is being steadily eliminated as his government works to ensure that every citizen finds rewarding opportunities within their home province.
In a sharp critique of previous Akali and Congress administrations, Mann noted that while past leaders often blamed a lack of progress on an empty treasury, his government has managed to deliver on its promises through clean intent and transparent governance. He argued that the system itself was never the limiting factor, but rather a lack of political will to serve the common man. The Chief Minister stated that in just four years, his administration has not only fulfilled all its core election promises but has exceeded expectations by delivering more than initially pledged to the electorate.
Addressing personal allegations from the opposition, the Chief Minister claimed that his political rivals are baffled by the province’s rapid progress and have resorted to baseless personal attacks. He maintained that while he may not have experience in plundering public wealth, he possesses the expertise to understand and resolve the grievances of the general public. Mann vowed that such cheap tactics would not deter his resolve to transform the province into a prosperous Rangla Punjab and that he would continue to prioritize the welfare of the masses over the vested interests of political dynasties.
Looking toward national reform, the Chief Minister announced his intention to meet with the President of India on May 5 to demand a stricter anti-defection law. He described the frequent switching of parties by opportunistic leaders as a grave disrespect to the democratic mandate of the people. Mann argued that a new legal framework is essential to stop politicians from betraying the public’s trust for personal gain, characterizing such behaviour as an intolerable backstab to the voters who put their faith in specific platforms.
Mann also highlighted the transformative role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, contrasting his approach with past policies that he claimed kept students dependent on social welfare schemes rather than empowering them. He criticized the former Akali leadership for educational policies that he said ruined the lives of students by failing to prepare them for the challenges of higher education. The Chief Minister reiterated that quality education is the primary key to raising the standard of living and that his government is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of Babasaheb Ambedkar by prioritizing school infrastructure and learning outcomes.
Highlighting specific milestones, the Chief Minister noted that over 65,000 youngsters have already secured government jobs under his tenure. He encouraged residents to enrol in the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana to access cashless medical treatment worth up to ten lakh rupees. Additionally, he pointed out that 90 per cent of domestic consumers are now receiving zero-cost electricity bills due to the 300-unit free power initiative, and farmers are receiving unprecedented daytime electricity for their tube wells. He concluded by assuring the public that every cent of taxpayer money is being judiciously utilized for public welfare, ensuring a fair and transparent system for all.
