“We're making Punjab’s youth job creators, not job seekers”: CM Mann
Punjab has provided 70,685 Govt jobs on merit, says Punjab CM
Babushahi Bureau
Kapurthala (Punjab), October 13, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said his government had provided 70,685 government jobs on merit and was transforming the education system to equip young people with the skills needed to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Addressing the 14th convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) in Kapurthala, Mann said the government was working to ensure that children from ordinary families received quality education and equal opportunities to build successful careers.
He said the neglect of education and employment by previous governments had compelled many young people to seek opportunities abroad. His government, he added, was working to create conditions that would allow Punjab’s youth to realise their ambitions within the state.
The Chief Minister said Punjab had risen from the 27th position to the top rank in education since 2022, attributing the progress to improvements in school infrastructure, teaching standards and access to quality education.
He said government schools were being equipped with smart classrooms, modern science laboratories and better facilities, while teachers had been sent to Singapore and Finland to learn advanced teaching methods. The government was also introducing courses related to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to prepare students for changing career opportunities.
Mann cited the success of 882 students from ordinary families in the NEET examination as evidence that students could excel when provided with the right opportunities and support. He also said Scheduled Caste scholarship payments had not been delayed for even a single semester during his government’s tenure.
Congratulating the graduates, Mann said a degree was more than a certificate, as it represented an opportunity to fulfil ambitions and contribute to society. He urged students to use their knowledge, technical skills and entrepreneurial abilities to contribute to Punjab’s development.
Quoting former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he encouraged the graduates to dream big and work persistently towards their goals. He also urged them not to give up in the face of adversity and to remain connected to Punjab’s cultural roots.
The Chief Minister described the government’s role as creating opportunities and providing support, while asking young people to make the most of them through hard work, innovation and discipline.
Mann also criticised the BJP over the drug menace, challenging the party to address drug trafficking through Gujarat and other parts of the country instead of targeting Punjab’s image. He said the issue required accountability across states rather than selective political criticism.
During the convocation, the Chief Minister felicitated six Indian hockey players — Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sukhjeet Singh — for their contribution to Indian hockey.
He said their achievements reflected dedication, discipline and teamwork, adding that Punjab’s sporting legacy continued to bring recognition to the country. He also highlighted the state’s preparations to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, IKGPTU Vice-Chancellor Dr Arvind Kumar Bansal and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.