Kapurthala, October 13, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that his government was transforming the state’s education system and creating employment opportunities to empower young people to become self-reliant. He emphasised that the government’s vision was to transform youth from job seekers into job providers.
Addressing the 14th convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) in Kapurthala, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government had provided 70,685 government jobs purely on merit. He added that government schools were being transformed through improved infrastructure, modern technology and quality education. According to him, the neglect of education and employment opportunities by previous governments had compelled many young people to seek better prospects abroad.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that sustained efforts over the past four years had helped Punjab rise from the 27th position before 2022 to the top rank in education, as per NITI Aayog. He urged young people to make education and sports the foundation of a prosperous and progressive Punjab.
Sharing highlights from the occasion on social media, the Chief Minister said that presenting degrees to students at the university’s 14th convocation was a privilege. He described a degree as much more than a piece of paper, calling it a stepping stone towards fulfilling dreams and ambitions. He congratulated the graduating students and wished them success in their future endeavours.
Education and Sports Key to Punjab’s Bright Future
Congratulating the graduates, CM Mann urged them to use their knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit to contribute to building a Rangla Punjab. Referring to former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, he encouraged students to dream big and work consistently towards achieving their goals.
Quoting the immortal lines of legendary Punjabi poet Avtar Pash, he urged young people never to abandon their dreams in the face of adversity. He said student life prepared individuals to face real-world challenges, where success required determination, discipline, innovation and the courage to think differently.
The Chief Minister emphasised that education and expertise should not be limited to personal advancement but should also be used for the welfare of society and the progress of Punjab.
Government Schools Being Equipped with Modern Facilities
Highlighting the education reforms undertaken by his government, CM Mann said that the state was focusing on improving educational quality, accessibility, infrastructure and practical skills. He said better coordination among the three wings of education under a single minister had helped ensure the focused implementation of reforms.
He added that government schools were being equipped with furniture, smart classrooms and modern science laboratories. Innovative courses were also being introduced to prepare students for emerging technologies and new-age careers.
“Our objective is to ensure that children from ordinary families receive the same quality of education and opportunities as students from privileged backgrounds,” he said.
The Chief Minister further stated that teachers had been sent to Singapore and Finland to learn advanced teaching methodologies and adopt international best practices in Punjab’s classrooms. He added that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies were opening new avenues for students, while teaching methods were being made more engaging and relevant to contemporary needs.
70,685 Government Jobs Provided on Merit
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state government had provided 70,685 government jobs through a transparent, merit-based recruitment process, without cash payments, recommendations or favouritism.
He said transparent recruitment had restored the confidence of young people and demonstrated that government employment could be secured through hard work and ability rather than influence.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of 882 students from ordinary families in the NEET examination, stating that talent was not limited to privileged sections of society and that students could excel when provided with proper opportunities and support.
He further said that Scheduled Caste scholarship payments had not been delayed even for a single semester during his government’s tenure, helping students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds continue their higher education.
CM Mann reiterated that financial circumstances should not prevent talented students from achieving their potential. He said the government was committed to providing quality education, modern skills and technical knowledge to young people so that they could build successful careers and become job creators.
watch….ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਬਣੇਗਾ ਸਕੇਟਿੰਗ ਹੱਬ, ਧੂਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਣ ਰਿਹਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਪੱਧਰੀ ਸਕੇਟਿੰਗ ਟਰੈਕ: CM ਮਾਨ
BJP Should Address Drug Supply Concerns Instead of Defaming Punjab
During his address, the Chief Minister criticised the BJP over allegations concerning Punjab’s drug problem. He challenged the BJP-led Union Government to explain how drug supplies continued through ports in Gujarat and other parts of the country despite the party being in power at both the Centre and in Gujarat.
He said those attempting to malign Punjab over the drug menace should also answer for their own record in tackling the problem. He asserted that Punjab would not allow its image to be tarnished through selective criticism and political propaganda while ignoring the wider national dimensions of the drug trade.
Youth Urged to Contribute to Punjab’s Progress
Motivating the graduates to explore opportunities in technology, innovation, industry and entrepreneurship, CM Mann said the government’s responsibility was to create opportunities and provide the necessary support, while young people had to make the best use of them.
He compared the government to an airport runway that provides an aircraft with the platform to take off, explaining that the government could facilitate progress, but the youth had to use those opportunities to reach greater heights.
He urged the graduates to remain connected to their roots, uphold Punjab’s values and inspire others. He also called upon them to use their knowledge and expertise to support people who lacked access to opportunities.
The Chief Minister said Punjab’s future depended on an educated, skilled, confident and socially responsible younger generation. He reiterated that the government would continue working to ensure quality education for every child and fair opportunities for every deserving young person.
Six Indian Hockey Players Felicitated
On the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann felicitated six prominent Indian hockey players in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Indian hockey and their achievements on the international stage.
The players honoured were Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sukhjeet Singh.
Congratulating the players, the Chief Minister said their achievements reflected dedication, discipline, perseverance and teamwork. He added that Punjab had a proud sporting legacy, with its athletes continuing to represent India with distinction.
He also highlighted Punjab’s preparations to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, describing it as an important opportunity to showcase the state’s sporting culture, hospitality and organisational capabilities before an international audience.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the graduating students and extended his best wishes for their future. IKGPTU Vice Chancellor Dr. Arvind Kumar Bansal and other dignitaries were also present at the convocation ceremony.
