The North News
Chandigarh, January 3
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday handed over appointment letters to 606 newly recruited employees of the state Education Department, saying the move marked a key milestone in the government’s flagship Mission Rozgar programme. The ceremony, held at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, took the total number of government jobs provided by the Aam Aadmi Party-led government to more than 61,000 in less than four years. The latest recruits include 385 special educator teachers, 157 primary teachers, eight principals and 56 employees appointed on compassionate grounds.
Extending New Year greetings to the appointees, Mann said the recruitment drive reflected the government’s commitment to merit and transparency. He said that since assuming office in April 2022, the government had filled 61,281 posts, adding that none of the appointments had been challenged in court. “Earlier, young people waited endlessly for appointment letters. Those days are over,” he said, adding that deserving candidates were now selected purely on capability, without political influence.
The Chief Minister criticised previous governments for allegedly favouring relatives and associates in public recruitment, saying this had ignored the aspirations of qualified youth. “For us, the entire state of Punjab is our family,” he said.
Announcing reforms in the education sector, Mann said a separate cadre of special educator teachers had been created to support children with special needs in government schools. Around 48,000 such children are currently enrolled across the state, he said, adding that the newly appointed teachers would play a crucial role in their development.
He also highlighted overseas training initiatives for teachers and principals, including programmes in Singapore, IIM Ahmedabad and Finland, and said the state was setting up 118 Schools of Eminence to improve access to quality education for underprivileged students.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the impact of the reforms was visible on the ground, noting improvements in school infrastructure and the rollout of free bus services for girl students.
Several newly appointed teachers shared their experiences at the event, describing the appointments as the fulfilment of long-held ambitions after years of waiting.
