Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday urged the youth of the State to take lessons from the recent mass deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the United States, calling it an eye-opener for those dreaming of settling abroad through unlawful means. Mann, addressing a gathering at a sports tournament, strongly advised young Punjabis to shun illegal immigration routes and instead work towards building a prosperous Punjab.
The CM emphasized that Punjab’s youth should not fall prey to unscrupulous travel agents who promise an easy life in foreign countries but instead leave them vulnerable to deportation, exploitation, and financial ruin. Mann stated that the mass deportation of youth from the US in shackles had humiliated the entire nation, adding that rather than risking their futures abroad, young people should focus on opportunities within Punjab.
Mann claimed that his Government has already provided more than 50,000 government jobs to Punjab’s youth purely on the basis of merit. He claimed that this is the first time in Punjab’s history that such a significant number of jobs have been filled in just three years, and assured that thousands more are in the pipeline.
Mann asserted that Punjab is witnessing reverse migration, with several young professionals returning to take up jobs in the state. He highlighted that confidence in Punjab’s employment market is increasing, leading many youth to abandon plans of moving abroad and instead pursue careers within the state.
“Unlike previous governments that ignored employment issues, we are ensuring that Punjab’s talented youth find stable, well-paying jobs right here, so they don’t have to look for opportunities elsewhere,” he said.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that educational institutions in Punjab are experiencing a surge in admissions, which is a clear sign that youth are now focusing on building their futures at home rather than migrating abroad.
To further enhance employment opportunities, Mann announced that the government is recruiting 1,800 constables and 300 sub-inspectors annually for the Punjab Police, ensuring that a total of 2,100 youth find employment each year.
Additionally, the government has already issued a notification for the recruitment of 10,000 more police personnel. He further noted that over 2.5 lakh candidates are expected to apply for these positions annually, which will encourage them to focus on academics and physical fitness, steering them away from drugs and other negative influences.
Mann also underscored that promoting sports is a crucial strategy in combating Punjab’s drug menace and providing youth with a constructive, goal-oriented lifestyle.
Concluding, he reminded Punjab’s youth that they were born on a land known for its strength, resilience, and economic potential. However, he lamented that past governments had failed to provide employment and security, forcing youth to leave their families, heritage, and culture behind. “The recent deportations should serve as a wake-up call. We must stop glorifying migration and instead focus on making Punjab a land of opportunities,” he stated.
Bittu vs Mann: BJP leader Calls for Action Against Fraudulent Travel Agents, Jobs for Deportees
The ongoing political tussle over the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States to Punjab escalated further, with Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu taking a sharp dig at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, suggesting that he should be tested for alcohol before making statements.
Bittu’s remarks came after Mann questioned the Centre’s decision to allow deportation flights carrying Indian migrants to land in Amritsar instead of other cities. Mann had alleged that the move was either a deliberate attempt to defame Punjab or a “gift” from former US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mann had also demanded answers as to why flights carrying deportees were not directed to Ahmedabad, despite a significant number of those deported being from Gujarat. His comments came just hours before a US military aircraft carrying 116 deportees landed in Amritsar on Saturday night.
Reacting strongly to Mann’s remarks, Bittu dismissed claims, stating, “Thousands more will be deported. If a plane lands in Punjab, how does it defame our state?” Bittu also accused Mann of failing to act against fraudulent travel agents in Punjab, who duped innocent youth with false promises of settling abroad and took hefty amounts to send them to the US through illegal ‘donkey routes’.
“He will not come to receive the deportees today. If he does, then the Chief Minister should be tested for alcohol,” Bittu said, mocking Mann’s history of alleged excessive drinking.
The **Union Minister further demanded the Punjab Government take responsibility for the deportees, calling for government jobs for the returnees; action against travel agents who defrauded them; and a refund of the huge sums they paid for illegal migration.
Bajwa Slams Govt for Failing to Curb Illegal Immigration
Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Sunday strongly criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led government for its inaction on illegal immigration, blaming it for failing to curb human trafficking and allowing fraudulent travel agents to thrive.
Bajwa pointed out that the continuous deportation of illegal immigrants from the US, with a large number hailing from Punjab, is proof of the government’s negligence. He accused Mann’s administration of shifting blame to the Centre while ignoring its own responsibility in tackling the crisis.
He questioned why flights carrying deported Indians always land in Amritsar, arguing that this portrays Punjab as a hub for illegal immigrants, damaging its global reputation. Bajwa further accused the Central government of tarnishing Punjab’s image by singling it out for deportation flights.
Slamming both Modi and Mann, Bajwa asked why the Prime Minister did not raise the issue with US officials during his recent visit to Washington. He also criticized Mann for not visiting Amritsar with a concrete rehabilitation plan, demanding financial aid of Rs 10-15 lakh per deportee and strict action against illegal travel agents.