*Our Aim Is To Empower Children To Stand On Their Own Feet Through Quality Education: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*We're Making Punjab’s Youth Job Creators, Not Job Seekers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Neglect Of Education & Employment By Previous Govts Forced Youth To Seek Opportunities Abroad: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*While We're Transforming Govt Schools, We’re Also Providing Jobs To Youth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*So Far, We’ve Provided 70,000 Govt Jobs To Youth On Merit: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*4 Years Of Hard Work Have Made Punjab No.1 In Education: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Instead Of Defaming Punjab, BJP Should Stop Flow Of Drugs From Gujarat: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Distributes Degrees To Students At I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University Convocation*

KAPURTHALA; 13th October 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said his government is transforming Punjab’s education system and creating employment opportunities to empower youth to stand on their own feet, asserting that the goal is to turn job seekers into job providers. During the 14th convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) in Kapurthala, he said the government had provided 70,000 government jobs on merit while transforming government schools, adding that neglect of education and employment by previous governments had pushed young people to seek opportunities abroad.

The Chief Minister pointed out four years of sustained efforts had taken Punjab to the number one position in education and urged the youth to make education and sports the foundation of the state’s bright future. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also hit out at the BJP, asking it to stop the flow of drugs from Gujarat instead of defaming Punjab.

Sharing a few snippets from the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, I had the privilege of distributing degrees to students at the 14th Convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala. A degree is not just a piece of paper; it is a certificate that brings young people closer to turning their dreams into reality. Our goal is to make Punjab’s youth not job seekers, but job providers. Education and sports are the keys to Punjab’s bright future. Heartiest congratulations to all the graduating students. Wishing them a bright and successful future ahead. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Addressing the convocation ceremony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those attempting to malign Punjab over the drug menace must first answer for their own failures in tackling the problem. I challenge the BJP-led Union Government to explain how drug supplies continued through ports in Gujarat and other parts of the country despite the BJP being in power at both the Centre and in Gujarat. Punjab will not allow anyone to tarnish its image through selective criticism and political propaganda while ignoring the larger national dimensions of the drug trade. Those who have failed to effectively tackle the problem in their own states must explain their record before pointing fingers at Punjab.”

Congratulating the graduating students, the Chief Minister called upon them to use their knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit to build a Rangla Punjab. He described the convocation as a significant occasion in their lives, emphasising that a degree was much more than a piece of paper. He said it represented an opportunity to realise their dreams, fulfil their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.

Quoting former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the Chief Minister encouraged the graduates to dream big and work relentlessly to turn their aspirations into reality. Referring to the immortal lines of legendary Punjabi poet Avtar Pash, he urged the students never to surrender their dreams in the face of adversity. “Student life prepares young people for the realities of the world, where success requires determination, discipline, innovation and the courage to think differently. Your knowledge and expertise must not remain confined to personal advancement. Use them for the welfare of society and the progress of Punjab,” he said.

He said previous governments had failed to create adequate opportunities for the youth, compelling many young people to look abroad for a better future. The present state government, he added, was working to ensure that Punjab’s young people could pursue their ambitions and build successful careers within the state.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had undertaken a comprehensive transformation of the education system, with renewed emphasis on quality, accessibility, modern infrastructure and practical skills. He said greater coordination had been established among the three wings of education under a single minister to ensure focused implementation of reforms. “Government schools are being equipped with furniture, smart classrooms and modern science laboratories, while innovative courses are preparing students for emerging technologies and new-age careers. Our objective is to ensure that children from ordinary families receive the same quality of education and opportunities as students from privileged backgrounds,” he said.

He said teachers had been sent to Singapore and Finland to learn advanced teaching methodologies and bring international best practices into Punjab’s classrooms. “The government is also making learning more engaging, interactive and relevant to contemporary requirements, with Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies opening new avenues for students,” he added.

The Chief Minister said these reforms were intended to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical capabilities needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

Highlighting the state’s progress in education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab had risen from the 27th position before 2022 to the top rank, as per NITI Aayog. He attributed the achievement to sustained efforts to improve school infrastructure, strengthen teaching standards and expand access to quality education across economic backgrounds.

He said the government was determined to ensure that financial circumstances did not prevent talented students from achieving their potential. “Education is the foundation of an equitable and prosperous society. Our government is committed to ensuring that every child receives quality education and that opportunities are not restricted to those who can afford expensive institutions. We want to empower young people with modern skills, technical knowledge and an entrepreneurial mindset so that they become job creators rather than job seekers,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the success of 882 students from ordinary families in the NEET examination demonstrated that talent was not the monopoly of the privileged and that students could excel when provided with the right opportunities and support.

He also emphasised that the state government had ensured that Scheduled Caste scholarship payments were not delayed even for a single semester during its tenure, enabling students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their higher education without unnecessary financial uncertainty. “Talent exists in every section of society. What young people need is a fair opportunity, quality education and the right support. Our government is working to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to education and that deserving students can fulfil their ambitions,” he added.

The Chief Minister further said the Punjab Government had provided 70,685 government jobs purely on merit, without cash, recommendations or favouritism. “Transparent recruitment has restored the confidence of young people and demonstrated that government employment can be secured through hard work and ability rather than influence. Our priority is to create an environment in which every deserving young person gets a fair opportunity to succeed,” he said.

He called upon the graduates to take advantage of opportunities emerging in technology, innovation, industry and entrepreneurship while contributing to Punjab’s economic growth.

Motivating the graduating students to remain active, purposeful and committed to their goals, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated the government’s responsibility was to create opportunities and provide the necessary support, while young people had to use those opportunities to achieve greater heights. “The government is like an airport runway that provides an aircraft with the platform to take off. We can create opportunities and provide support, but it is up to the youth to use those opportunities to reach greater heights. Punjab’s young people possess immense talent, and our priority is to create an environment where their potential can be fully realised within the state,” affirmed the Chief Minister.

He urged the graduates to remain connected to their roots, uphold the values of Punjab and become sources of inspiration for others. He called upon them to use their knowledge, experience and expertise to support those who lacked access to opportunities.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab’s future rested on an educated, skilled, confident and socially responsible younger generation, adding that the state government was committed to ensuring quality education for every child and fair opportunities for every deserving young person.

On the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann felicitated six prominent Indian hockey players for their outstanding contribution to Indian hockey and for bringing laurels to the country. The players were Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sukhjeet Singh.

Congratulating the players, the Chief Minister said their achievements reflected the values of dedication, discipline, perseverance and teamwork. He said Punjab had a proud sporting legacy, with its sons and daughters continuing to represent India with distinction on the international stage. “The achievements of our hockey players are a source of immense pride for Punjab and the entire country. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate what can be achieved through discipline, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

He also highlighted Punjab’s preparations to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, describing it as an important opportunity to showcase the state’s sporting culture, hospitality and organisational capabilities on an international platform.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the graduating students and extended his best wishes for their future.

Vice Chancellor Dr Arvind Kumar Bansal and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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*Finance Minister Cheema Directs Swift Resolution of Health Department Employees' Demands; Hold Meetings with 11 Unions*

*Health and Rural Development departments to provide Asha workers with proper spaces like Panchayat Ghars for vaccination drives: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Health Department to formulate proposals for casual leaves for Asha workers: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*FM Cheema Directs Weekly Officers Committee Meetings to Put Demands of Health Department Unions' on Fast Track*

Chandigarh, 14th October 2026-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema held a series of comprehensive meetings on Wednesday with various employee unions under the Health and Family Welfare Department to address the grievances of the state's healthcare workforce.

Prioritising the working conditions of frontline staff, the Finance Minister issued immediate directives to both the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Rural Development and Panchayat Department. He mandated that adequate arrangements be made to facilitate Asha workers and facilitators by providing them with proper spaces, such as Panchayat Ghars or other suitable Panchayat buildings, to conduct vital vaccination drives on alternate days.

During the extensive deliberations, the Finance Minister took decisive steps to address the structural and administrative hurdles faced by the employees. He directed the Health Department to promptly formulate and submit a proposal to the cabinet sub-committee concerning the provision of casual leaves and other legitimate demands raised by the Asha workers and facilitators, ensuring that appropriate action is taken at the earliest. Furthermore, Cheema assured the delegations that their remaining key demands are already under active consideration by the government, and a favourable decision regarding them will be announced soon.

Recognising that the primary concerns of the broader workforce revolve around salary enhancements, pay parity, fair leave policies, and transparent transfers, the Finance Minister directed the Health Department to present all justified issues before the Inter-Departmental Committee. To guarantee swift redressal without bureaucratic delays, he strictly directed this committee to convene once a week.

The marathon sessions witnessed active participation from a diverse coalition of employee representatives who submitted detailed memorandums outlining their specific departmental challenges.

The dialogue included crucial inputs from the All India Asha Workers and Facilitators Union, Asha Workers and Facilitator Union Punjab (CITU) and the Asha Workers and Facilitator Narol Union. Additionally, key systemic issues regarding equal pay and regularization were brought forward by the N.H.M. Employees Union, the Community Health Officers Association, the Pharmacy Officer's Association, the Rural Health Pharmacy Officer Union, and the Health Pharmacy Officer Association Punjab.

The discussions also heavily featured the unique operational demands of the Govt. Drug De-Addiction & Rehabilitation Employee Union, the Punjab Aids Control Employees Association (Health Department), and the PCMS Dental Association, reflecting the government's comprehensive approach to stabilising and supporting every tier of the state's healthcare infrastructure.

During the meetings, Durgo Bai, Balvir Kaur, Rajinder Kaur and Swaran Kaur from All India Asha Workers and Facilitators Union; Saroj Bala, Seema Rani, Joginder Kaur and Parminder Kaur from Asha Workers and Facilitator Union Punjab (CITU); Kirandwep Kaur, Pawanpreet Kaur and Mandeep Kaur Asha Workers and Facilitator Narol Union; Sandeep Kaur, Amandeep Singh, Dinesh Garg, and Sukhjeet Singh from N.H.M. Employees Union, Dr. Sunil Targotra, Dr. Daljeet Kumar and Dr. Raj from the Community Health Officers Association; Shubam Sharma and Deep Kamboz from Pharmacy Officer's Association; Gurmeet Singh, Navjot Kaur and Rajinder Kumar from Rural Health Pharmacy Officer Union; Ram Singh, Navdeep Kumar, Sarabjeet and Raj Kumar from Sehat Pharmacy Officer Association; Parminder Singh, Navdeep Singh and Tarsem Sharma from Govt. Drug De-Addiction & Rehabilitation Employee Union; Jasmail Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mahinder Pal Singh and Ashu Garg from Punjab Aids Control Employees Association (Health Department); and Dr Ashutosh Sharma, Dr Dharminder Singh, Dr Harpreet Kaur and Dr. Vikrant Sharma from PCMS Dental Association raised their issues and demands.

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