BUDGET SESSION
A day after his Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented a “tax-free” budget, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced the creation of 2,487 new job openings — marking a significant step towards addressing unemployment in the State.
Mann, speaking during discussions on the budgetary proposals for 2024-25 on the third day of Punjab Vidhan Sabha budget session, revealed, “Tomorrow, 2487 deserving youths will receive appointment letters during a function at Sangrur, with a substantial number of positions earmarked for aspiring police constables.”
The announcement comes on the heels of the demand raised by the Opposition, especially the Congress legislative Party (CLP) leader Partap Singh Bajwa, seeking details regarding the claims of providing more than 40,000 jobs.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government's commitment to empower the youth through employment opportunities. He informed the assembly that the State Government has already provided over 40,000 jobs across various sectors, while providing the complete details, department-wise jobs provided and urging the Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to forward the same to the opposition.
“The opposition is unnecessarily making hue and cry over the issue as they had never given government jobs to youth,” he added.
Emphasizing the significance of the budget, the Chief Minister described it as not merely a document of financial allocations but as a blueprint for Punjab's progress and prosperity. He praised the state budget as the “best ever presented in the state”, asserting its pivotal role in fostering a dynamic and flourishing Punjab.
Mann, addressing the Opposition’s criticism, urged for constructive engagement, stating that while democratic dialogue is encouraged, unwarranted negativity aimed at garnering media attention is unfortunate. He reiterated the Government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and the state's development.
Mann credited AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal for pioneering value-based politics and transforming the political landscape. He lauded Kejriwal's vision of guaranteeing welfare measures to the populace, advocating for manifestos to be legally binding to prevent political deception.
In response to Congress's allegations, Mann dismissed claims of AAP MLAs defecting, underscoring the opposition's irresponsible behaviour and predicting their imminent electoral defeat. He attributed the surge in happiness events across Punjab to the government's pro-people policies, which have curbed the exodus of youth seeking opportunities abroad.
The Chief Minister outlined the state's economic progress, citing increased excise and GST collections, and ongoing dialogues with traders for mutual benefit. However, he criticized the central government's coercive tactics and departure from constitutional values, warning against the erosion of democracy.
Mann highlighted various government initiatives, including the Sarkaar Aaapke Dwaar Scheme and Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme, aimed at decentralizing governance and promoting tourism. Additionally, he announced financial assistance for families of martyred soldiers and investments in the education sector to empower the masses.
Closing his address, Mann assured continued efforts for Punjab's welfare and pledged a tax-free budget in the future, underscoring the government's dedication to uplift the state and its people.
CM Advocates Legal Manifestos over Promises
Mann advocated for a transformative shift in political culture, emphasizing the need for parties to uphold genuine commitments to welfare rather than relying on mere promises. Mann stressed the importance of converting political manifestos into “legally binding documents” to prevent deception of the common populace. “I have always been a votary of making the manifesto of any party into a legal document so that political parties may not dupe the common man. People have been misled repeatedly by showing them ache din or that ‘I am chowkidar’ and now saying my parijan (family) adding that similarly anti-defection law has been misused to favor the party in power at the Centre,” he added.
Slams Opposition's Irresponsibility
Mincing no words in criticizing the opposition's evasion of crucial issues, Mann contrasted it with his Government's proactive approach towards providing essential services such as free power, education, and healthcare to the people. Mann accused the Congress of habitual irresponsibility, often resorting to walkouts for media attention rather than constructive engagement. He debunked Congress's claims of AAP MLA defections, highlighting the lack of communication between the two parties.
Asserting public awareness of the opposition's shortcomings, Mann predicted their eventual ousting from power. He characterized opposition leaders as a “new variant of unemployed people” rejected by voters due to their lack of performance.