Serve people with integrity, put public welfare first: CM Mann to new cops

Chandigarh, August 2

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday handed over appointment letters to 1,746 newly recruited police constables, as the state government stepped up efforts to expand the force and provide merit-based employment to young people. Speaking at the passing-out parade at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) Ground in Phillaur, Mann said 13,092 personnel had been recruited into the Punjab Police over the past four-and-a-half years, while recruitment for another 3,298 constable posts was underway. He said the government had so far provided 70,840 government jobs to young people on merit under its “No Cash, No Farmaish” policy, which it says is aimed at keeping recruitment transparent and free from political recommendations and corruption.

Mann told the new recruits that joining the Punjab Police came with a responsibility to serve people with professionalism, dedication and integrity. “Your foremost priority should be the welfare of the public so that every section of society benefits from your service,” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced that the government had approved 1,600 new district-cadre posts in the police department. These include 150 Inspector, 450 Sub-Inspector and 1,000 Assistant Sub-Inspector posts, which will be filled through departmental promotions.

He said the move would strengthen the police force while also providing serving personnel with opportunities for career advancement.

Mann said the Punjab Police faced a wider responsibility because of the state’s 532-km international border with Pakistan. He said the force had played a key role in maintaining peace and protecting the state’s security, while warning that attempts by hostile forces to create unrest continued.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s campaign against drugs, saying more than 70,000 drug smugglers had been arrested during the past 500 days under its “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign.

He said properties linked to drug peddlers were being confiscated and demolished, and called on the newly recruited personnel to play an active role in tackling drug trafficking.

“Punjab is fighting the nation’s war against drugs and the Punjab Police has always acted as a barrier for checking its supply,” Mann said.

He also urged the recruits to keep pace with advances in investigation, science and technology to deal with emerging security challenges.

Mann also highlighted the work of Punjab’s Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), a dedicated highway patrol unit launched by the state government to reduce road accidents and improve emergency response.

According to the government’s briefing, the force has been deployed across about 4,200 km of accident-prone highways and has contributed to a 52.87% reduction in road accident deaths. The Chief Minister said specially trained personnel, including women, had been recruited and equipped with modern vehicles.He said the SSF was also helping deter traffic violations and described it as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.

Mann said the government had issued more than 15,000 appointment letters in the police force since 2022 as part of efforts to strengthen its manpower and modernise policing.He congratulated the new recruits and their families, urging them to uphold the reputation of the Punjab Police and serve the public with honesty and commitment.

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and other senior officials attended the ceremony.