Jalandhar, 27 August (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday handed over appointment letters to 1,746 newly recruited Punjab Police personnel, describing the recruitment as another major step towards strengthening the state police force and providing merit-based employment to the youth.

Addressing the passing-out parade at the PAP Ground in Phillaur, CM Mann said the state government has provided 70,840 government jobs on merit so far under its “No Cash, No Farmaish” principle. He said 13,092 personnel have been recruited into the Punjab Police during the last four-and-a-half years, while recruitment for another 3,298 constable posts is currently underway.

The Chief Minister also announced that the government has approved 1,600 new district-cadre posts in the Punjab Police. These include 150 Inspectors, 450 Sub-Inspectors and 1,000 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, which will be filled through departmental promotions.

Mann said the move would provide serving police personnel with opportunities for career advancement while further strengthening the force. He said promotions would be made according to merit and seniority.

Calling upon the newly recruited personnel to serve the public with dedication and professionalism, Mann said the Punjab Police has a special responsibility as a border force. He pointed out that Punjab shares a 532-km-long international border with a hostile neighbour.

The Chief Minister said the state government was fighting the drug menace through its ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. According to him, more than 70,000 drug smugglers have been arrested in over 500 days, while properties linked to drug peddlers are also being confiscated and demolished.

He urged the new recruits to play an active role in preventing drug trafficking and maintaining peace in the state.

Mann said that since 2022, more than 15,000 appointment letters have been issued in the Punjab Police to strengthen the force. He added that modern vehicles and other resources were also being provided to police personnel to improve their efficiency.

He stressed the need for the police force to continuously upgrade its investigation methods and make greater use of science and technology to tackle emerging challenges, including organised crime and terrorism.

Highlighting the state’s road-safety initiative, Mann said Punjab has established the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) to protect commuters and reduce fatalities on highways. Specially trained personnel, including women, have been deployed with modern vehicles across around 4,200 km of accident-prone highways.

According to the official briefing, the initiative has contributed to a 52.87 per cent reduction in road accident deaths.

Congratulating the newly recruited police personnel and their families, Mann said they must make public welfare their foremost priority and work with honesty, dedication and commitment.

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and other senior officials were also present at the event.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH