Bathinda, 23 June (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that Punjab is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for government employment, with many youngsters who had earlier moved abroad now returning to the state to secure jobs through the transparent and merit-based recruitment policy of his government.

Addressing a gathering in Bathinda after distributing appointment letters to 665 newly recruited candidates of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the Chief Minister said that the state government has provided more than 68,268 government jobs during the last four-and-a-half years, ending the era of bribery, recommendations and political influence in recruitment.

The Chief Minister said that previous governments had forced many youngsters to leave Punjab due to corruption and a lack of opportunities. However, he noted that the situation has changed significantly and that reverse migration has now begun in the state.

He cited the example of a young woman who received three job offers and was among the successful candidates receiving appointment letters at the ceremony. Mann urged the youth to encourage their friends and relatives settled abroad to return to Punjab and seek opportunities in their home state instead of searching for jobs overseas.

Highlighting the government’s recruitment process, the Chief Minister said that all appointments have been made strictly on the basis of merit and eligibility. He added that the transparent recruitment system adopted by the government has ensured that not a single appointment has been challenged in court.

Mann expressed satisfaction over providing employment opportunities to thousands of young people and said that government jobs are now accessible without any recommendations or financial influence. He urged the newly appointed employees to serve the public with dedication and ensure that the benefits of government services reach every section of society.

Congratulating the selected candidates, the Chief Minister advised them to remain humble despite achieving success. He emphasized that hard work, honesty and commitment are the keys to greater achievements in life.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving education in the state. He said that education is the most effective tool to eliminate poverty and social inequalities and that the government is making continuous efforts to strengthen the education system.

Several successful candidates, including Jia Garg, Amandeep Singh Pannu, Labhdeep Singh and others, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, stating that the merit-based recruitment process had transformed their lives and given them a secure future.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH