CM Mann hands over appointment letters to 801 youth in Mohali; Announces 600 more jobs next week
Says 71,777 government jobs provided so far on merit, without cash or recommendations; challenges opposition to prove corruption in recruitment
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 3, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to 801 newly recruited youth in Mohali, describing the appointments as a Diwali gift to young people and their families. He announced that another 600 government jobs would be provided next week, taking the total number of recruitments under his government further beyond the 71,777 appointments made so far.
Claiming that all recruitments had been made strictly on merit and without any payment or political recommendation, Mann said his government had ended the practice of selling government jobs through money, influence and bribes.
Addressing the newly appointed employees and their families, the Chief Minister said the appointment letters represented not merely government employment but also hope, dignity and financial security for thousands of families.
He asserted that 71,777 youth had secured government jobs under his government’s tenure without paying a single rupee in bribes or relying on recommendations.
“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,” Mann said.
Taking aim at previous governments, he alleged that government recruitment under earlier regimes was often influenced by cash payments, political recommendations and bribes running into lakhs of rupees.
He also claimed that recruitment processes during previous governments frequently remained entangled in court cases for years, with some candidates crossing the eligible age limit while waiting for appointments.
Targets Akali Dal and Congress
Taking a dig at the Akali Dal and Congress, Mann alleged that successive governments had pushed Punjab into economic and social distress through self-serving politics.
He accused leaders of these parties of working together to malign his government because they could not accept that an ordinary person without a political dynasty or inherited power was working for the 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 said.
The Chief Minister also accused the Akali leadership of exploiting Punjab’s resources, including lucrative businesses such as mining, for personal gains during its tenure.
Referring to the Akali Dal (Badal), he said its leaders had once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years, but the party was now struggling to find even 25 credible leaders.
Urges newly appointed youth to aim for civil services
Congratulating the 801 recruits, Mann encouraged them to perform their duties with honesty and dedication and urged them to aspire for higher positions in public service.
He asked them to prepare for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations and aim to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.
The Chief Minister said his government was strengthening educational infrastructure and developing institutions of excellence so that students from ordinary and underprivileged families could aspire to the highest positions in the country’s administrative machinery.
He contrasted this ambition with what he described as the limited aspirations promoted by previous governments, adding that Punjab’s youth deserved opportunities to become administrators, scientists, doctors, engineers and leaders.
Claims Punjab ranks first in school education
Highlighting his government’s achievements in education, Mann said Punjab had emerged as the country’s leading state in school education, surpassing Kerala.
He attributed the improvement to investments in educational infrastructure, quality teaching and equal opportunities for children irrespective of their economic and social backgrounds.
He also said around 600 additional recruitment opportunities had been created in ancillary positions in the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
Cites irrigation reforms and groundwater improvement
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s irrigation initiatives, claiming that nearly 18,000 cusecs of canal water was now reaching agricultural fields through the strengthened canal network.
He compared the volume with the capacity of an entire Bhakra canal and said the expansion of canal irrigation had reduced farmers’ dependence on groundwater.
According to Mann, groundwater levels had improved by one to five metres in several areas following the increased availability of canal water.
He said the government was working to restore the canal network and ensure water reached fields at the tail ends, which had remained deprived of irrigation facilities for decades.
Describing the initiative as an investment in Punjab’s future, he said conserving water resources while ensuring adequate irrigation for farmers remained a priority.
Referring to the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, Mann said his government was working to revive Punjab’s sporting legacy by providing world-class sports infrastructure and opportunities to young talent.
He said sports could play an important role in channelising the energy of young people and keeping them away from drugs and other social evils.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to employment and public welfare, the Chief Minister said efforts would continue to strengthen education, healthcare, agriculture, sports and infrastructure while creating more opportunities for the state’s youth.
He said the government was committed to building a ‘Rangla Punjab’ by ensuring employment and prosperity for families across the state.