Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday highlighted his administration’s achievement of providing 44,250 government jobs within 872 days — averaging around 51 job placements daily over the last 2.5 years.
Mann, speaking at a function to distribute appointment letters to 443 officers in the Police, Law, Justice, and Home Affairs Departments, emphasized that all recruitments were merit-based and transparent, designed to empower the youth and restore Punjab's historic glory.
Lauding the newly-appointed officers and underscoring the importance of their roles in maintaining the state's integrity and safety, Mann said: “Our goal from day one has been to empower our youth by providing them with government jobs, and today, we see the fruits of our labour. These appointments are a testament to our commitment to transparency and meritocracy,” said Mann, encouraging the new recruits to serve with dedication and integrity, ensuring that their actions reflect positively on the government and benefit the people of Punjab.
The Chief Minister announced the creation of 10,000 new positions in the Punjab Police, with the notification for recruitment already issued. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen law enforcement and ensure public safety across the State. “By bolstering our police force, we aim to enhance our law enforcement capabilities significantly. The safety and security of our citizens are paramount, and these new positions will ensure that our police force is well-equipped to handle any challenges,” said Mann.
Mann detailed plans to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub Inspectors annually for the next four years to address the police force's manpower shortage. He anticipated that this rigorous recruitment process will engage youth in academics and physical training, channeling their energy positively and deterring them from drug abuse. “Our recruitment efforts are not just about filling positions but about shaping the future of our police force. By providing opportunities for our youth, we are helping them channel their energy in positive directions and away from harmful activities. This initiative will also ensure that our police force remains robust and capable of meeting the challenges of the future,” he said.
People Saving Rs 63L Daily After Toll Plazas’ Closure
Highlighting fiscal reforms, Mann noted that the closure of 19 toll plazas in Punjab is saving residents Rs 63 lakh daily. This decision, made in the public interest, prevented the extension of toll plaza contracts, thereby directly benefiting the common man and enhancing the state's economic efficiency. “By closing these toll plazas, we are not only saving money for our citizens but also making travel more convenient and hassle-free. This move is a significant step towards ensuring that the hard-earned money of Punjabis is not wasted on unnecessary toll fees,” Mann explained.
Rs 45-cr to Introduce AI in Punjab Police
In a significant modernization effort, Mann revealed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be integrated into the Punjab Police at a cost of Rs 45 crore. Approximately 3,000 high-resolution AI-enabled cameras will be installed along the Indo-Pak border to curb smuggling activities. The initiative aimed at revolutionizing policing by leveraging advanced technology for enhanced surveillance and crime prevention. “The integration of AI into our police force is a game-changer. These high-resolution cameras will provide real-time data and analytics, allowing us to monitor and prevent smuggling activities effectively. This technology will enhance our capabilities and ensure that we stay ahead in our fight against crime,” said Mann.
Enhancing Law Enforcement Resources
Mann further highlighted the provision of 410 hi-tech vehicles to Station House Officers (SHOs) in Punjab Police, marking a departure from past practices where new vehicles were allocated to higher officers. “Our SHOs are the backbone of our police force, and it is essential that they have the best resources at their disposal. These new vehicles will enable them to perform their duties more efficiently, ensuring that they can respond to incidents promptly and effectively,” he said.
Commitment to Eradicating Drug Menace
Mann called on the police officers to play a proactive role in eradicating drug abuse in Punjab, reiterating that the state is at the forefront of the national fight against drugs. He emphasized the importance of upholding the Punjab Police's tradition of combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. “Punjab is fighting a war against drugs, and our police force is on the front lines. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to combat this menace. Our officers must uphold the highest standards of integrity and dedication in this fight," Mann urged. He highlighted the need for a coordinated and sustained effort to tackle the issue of drug abuse, ensuring that the police force is fully committed to eradicating this scourge from the state.
