Chandigarh: Ahead of the Diwali festival, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to 801 newly recruited youth in Mohali. According to the state government, with these appointments, the total number of recruitments under Mann's government has reached 71,777. According to the official press release, Mann maintained that all appointments had been made purely on merit, without any ‘cash’ or recommendation. Taking a swipe at previous governments, the Punjab CM alleged that government jobs were earlier sold for lakhs of rupees through money, political influence and bribes. He added that his government had ensured transparent recruitment without a single rupee being paid as a bribe. Challenging the opposition to point out even one instance of corruption in recruitment, CM Mann announced that another 600 youth would receive government jobs next week, reaffirming his government's commitment to employment, merit and building a ‘Rangla Punjab’. Sharing a few snippets on X, the Punjab CM stated, “Today, appointment letters were distributed to 801 newly recruited candidates in Mohali. So far, we have provided government jobs to more than 71,777 youth, entirely free of cost and strictly on the basis of merit. Owing to the work undertaken in the education sector, Punjab today ranks number one in the country in primary education. Our aim is to make Punjab ‘Rangla Punjab’ once again by bringing employment and prosperity to every household. Heartiest congratulations to the newly appointed youth and their families. Serve the people of Punjab with complete honesty and dedication.” Addressing a gathering after handing over appointment letters to the 801 newly recruited youth, Mann said, “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. They are frustrated because they cannot digest the unprecedented pace of development and public welfare initiatives being undertaken by our government.” Addressing the newly recruited youth, the Chief Minister said that the day was historic and emotional for 801 families whose young members had earned the distinction of becoming government servants through their hard work and dedication. “With today’s appointments, the total number of government jobs provided by our government has reached 71,777. All these jobs have been given purely on merit, without any discrimination or recommendation. These appointment letters are not merely pieces of paper but symbols of hope, dignity and a secure future for thousands of families,” he said. Every appointment, he added, represented the dreams of a young person and the aspirations of an entire family. “Our government has ensured that talent, and not political connections or money, determines the future of Punjab’s youth.” The Chief Minister stated that the opposition had repeatedly levelled allegations against him, claiming that he was plundering the state exchequer. “Every work undertaken by our government is for public welfare. The state exchequer belongs to the people of Punjab, and every penny of public money is being spent for their welfare. Unlike those who treated the state treasury as their personal property, we consider ourselves trustees of the people’s money,” he said. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that around 600 additional recruitment opportunities had already been created for ancillary positions in PSPCL, further strengthening employment opportunities for the youth. Sumit Sharma is a Deputy News Editor at Times Now with around a decade of experience across print, electronic, and digital media. Previously, he worke... View More