Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said his government has provided more than 70,000 government jobs to young men and women in the state purely on merit, without bribes or political recommendations, asserting that his government's transparent recruitment process has opened up opportunities for youth from ordinary families.Addressing a gathering during a 'Lok Milni' programme at Kamalpur village in the Jagraon constituency of Ludhiana, Mann said young people no longer needed to look for employment opportunities abroad as his government was working to create jobs within Punjab and enable them to build their future in their home state."Your son has shaped the future of more than 70,000 daughters and sons without bribes or recommendations. On the strength of merit and honesty, today the children of ordinary households are becoming big officers," he said.Urging young people to focus on their studies and prepare for competitive examinations without fear, Mann said, "Youth, prepare and study without any worry or fear—your brother stands with you always to protect your rights".

The chief minister said that government recruitment in Punjab was no longer dependent on money or political influence, claiming that candidates were securing jobs through a transparent selection process without paying anything or approaching influential people.During the programme, Mann also handed over a cheque of Rs 51 lakh to the sarpanch of Kamalpur village for undertaking comprehensive development works.Taking aim at political opponents, Mann accused Congress and Akali leaders of being preoccupied with power struggles rather than working for Punjab's development.He alleged that leaders of the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP shared a common agenda of removing him from office because his government had prioritised public welfare.Reiterating his government's employment push, Mann maintained that providing opportunities within Punjab remained a priority, adding that merit-based recruitment would continue to empower the state's youth and reduce their dependence on opportunities outside the state.- Ends