Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday accused the BJP-led central government of targeting him through the CBI and ED for fighting for Punjab’s rights, and asserted that he would never compromise on the state’s interests or the dignity of its people.
Urging people to join the campaign against drugs, Mann said the fight cannot be won by the government alone and required the united strength of every Punjabi. My stake is not in buses, sand, contracts or roadside vending stalls. My stake lies in the joys and sorrows of the people of Punjab. Their hopes are my responsibility, and their struggles are my own. I entered politics to serve the people, and public service will always remain the guiding principle of my government. For generations, young people were made to believe that securing a government job required money, influence or political connections. We are determined to change that mindset. No deserving young person should have to approach a politician or pay a bribe to secure employment. “Public money must serve public interests. Cabinet minister Balbir Singh and others were present at the launch.
We have provided more than 70,680 government jobs purely on merit.
Addressing the Lok Milni programme in Ballaran village of Sangrur district, Mann said, “My honesty is my greatest wealth, and the love and trust of three crore Punjabis are my real strength. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to transparent recruitment, the chief minister said, “For the first time in Punjab, young people are getting government jobs without bribes or political recommendations. He said his government’s objective was to ensure that merit, rather than money or political influence, determined the future of young people. The chief minister said his government had taken several steps to ease the financial burden on households and improve public services. Our government is working to ensure that the benefits of development reach ordinary families rather than being confined to a privileged few,” he said. The team of Punjabi film “Thaapi” also joined the awareness drive.
