Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday underlined his government’s commitment to transparency, merit, and fairness in public recruitment, announcing that more than 61,000 government jobs have been created over the past four years. The announcement was made during a ceremony where Mann handed appointment letters to 606 new recruits in the state’s education department.

The newly-appointed candidates include 385 special educator teachers, 157 primary teachers, eight principals, and 56 employees recruited on compassionate grounds.

Focus on Merit-Based Recruitment

Speaking at the event, Mann said the government’s recruitment drive since April 2022 has ensured that every appointment has been made purely on merit and transparency. “It is a matter of pride that not a single appointment has been challenged in court,” he stated.

He highlighted how the previous regimes often distributed government jobs to relatives and favourites rather than qualified candidates. “Earlier, youth had to wait endlessly for appointment letters, anxiously scanning newspapers and postboxes. Those days are over. Today, deserving youth get jobs based only on their capability,” Mann said, taking a clear jibe at prior administrations.

The CM emphasised that the current system ensures opportunities for youngsters from ordinary families across Punjab. “Today, hardworking youth are getting a fair chance to move ahead. Traditional political parties treated their families as Punjab, but for me, the entire state of Punjab is my family,” he said.

Reforms in Education Sector

Highlighting the government’s focus on quality education, Mann announced a separate cadre of special educator teachers to cater to children with special needs in government schools. “Around 48,000 children with special needs are currently enrolled in government schools. To ensure quality education for them, we have appointed 385 teachers under this special cadre,” he said.

Addressing the special educator teachers, the CM said their role extends beyond academics. “Your duty is not only to educate these children but also to serve humanity. Your role in shaping their future will be even greater than that of their parents,” he urged, calling for dedication and commitment.

Mann further highlighted initiatives for enhancing teacher quality and school infrastructure. He said 234 principals and education officers have received training in Singapore, 249 head teachers trained at IIM Ahmedabad, and 216 primary teachers at Turku University, Finland.

The government is also establishing 118 “Schools of Eminence” in Punjab to transform education opportunities for underprivileged children. Mann noted additional measures such as free uniforms and a free bus service for girls, ensuring no student is deprived of education.

Addressing Ground-Level Challenges

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains added that in 2022, out of 28 lakh students in government schools, nearly four lakh were forced to sit on the ground due to a lack of proper seating arrangements. He said reforms have addressed this issue, ensuring that not a single child is without proper seating. He also highlighted that nearly 10,000 schoolgirlsbenefit daily from the free bus service.

Through these measures, the Punjab government aims to combine employment generation with quality education reforms, reinforcing its commitment to equitable opportunities and inclusive development.

By creating thousands of jobs, reforming teacher training, and improving school infrastructure, the government seeks to provide transparent recruitment and better learning environments for students across the state, with a particular focus on marginalized and special-needs communities.