Kapurthala, 13 October:- Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today said that his government was transforming Punjab’s education system to empower young people to stand on their own feet and create employment opportunities. He emphasised that the government’s primary objective was to turn job seekers into job providers. Addressing the 14th convocation ceremony of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, he said that alongside transforming government schools, the government had provided 70,000 government jobs on the basis of merit. He added that the neglect of education and employment by previous governments had forced young people to look for opportunities abroad.
The Chief Minister stressed that four years of sustained efforts had taken Punjab to the number-one position in education. He urged young people to make education and sports the foundation of the state’s bright future. Taking a strong swipe at the BJP, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that instead of defaming Punjab, the party should stop the supply of drugs from Gujarat.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today, I have had the privilege of conferring degrees on students at the 14th convocation ceremony of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala. A degree is not merely a piece of paper; it is a certificate that gives young people an opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. Our aim is to make the youth of Punjab job providers rather than job seekers. Education and sports are the keys to Punjab’s bright future. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students receiving degrees and wish them a successful future. Long live the revolution.”
Addressing the convocation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who are trying to defame Punjab over the drug problem should first be held accountable for their own failure to tackle this issue. I challenge the BJP-led Central Government to explain how the supply of drugs through ports in Gujarat and other parts of the country has continued despite the BJP being in power both at the Centre and in Gujarat. Punjab will not allow itself to be singled out and criticised through political propaganda while the national dimensions of drug trafficking are ignored. Those who have failed to deal effectively with this problem in their own states should examine their own record before pointing fingers at Punjab.”
Congratulating the graduating students, the Chief Minister urged them to use their knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit to help build Rangla Punjab. He described the convocation as an important milestone in the students’ lives and emphasised that a degree was worth far more than a piece of paper. He said it offered students an opportunity to realise their dreams, fulfil their aspirations and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Citing former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as an example, the Chief Minister encouraged students to dream big and work tirelessly to turn their aspirations into reality. Referring to the lines of renowned Punjabi poet Avtar Pash, he urged students never to abandon their dreams in the face of difficulties. He said, “Student life prepares young people for the harsh realities of the world, where success requires determination, discipline, innovation and the courage to think differently. Your knowledge and expertise should not remain limited to personal advancement. Use them for the welfare of society and the progress of Punjab.”
He said previous governments had failed to create suitable opportunities for young people, forcing many to look abroad for a better future. He added that the present government was working to ensure that the youth of Punjab could fulfil their aspirations and build successful careers within the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had brought extensive changes to the education system, with renewed emphasis on quality, accessibility, modern infrastructure and practical skills. He said better coordination had been established among the three wings of the Education Department under a single minister to ensure the effective implementation of reforms. He said, “Government schools are being equipped with furniture, smart classrooms and modern science laboratories, while new courses are preparing students for emerging technologies and careers of the future. Our aim is to ensure that children from ordinary families receive the same quality of education and opportunities as students who enjoy special privileges.”
He said teachers had been sent to Singapore and Finland to learn new teaching methods and bring international teaching practices into Punjab’s classrooms. He added, “The government is making the learning process more engaging, interactive and relevant to contemporary needs. Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are opening up new pathways for students.”
The Chief Minister said the objective of these reforms was to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical abilities needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
Speaking about Punjab’s progress in education, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that, according to NITI Aayog, Punjab had risen from the 27th position before 2022 to a leading position. He attributed this achievement to sustained efforts to improve school infrastructure, strengthen teaching standards and expand access to quality education regardless of students’ economic backgrounds.
He said the government was determined to ensure that financial circumstances did not prevent any talented student from realising their potential. He said, “Education is the foundation of an equal and prosperous society. Our government is committed to ensuring that every child receives quality education and that opportunities are not restricted to those who can afford seats in expensive institutions. We want to equip young people with modern skills, technical knowledge and an entrepreneurial mindset so that they become job providers rather than job seekers.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 882 students from ordinary families succeeding in the NEET examination demonstrated that talent was not the exclusive privilege of those from advantaged backgrounds. When students receive the right opportunities and support, he said, they can achieve outstanding results.
He also emphasised that the state government had ensured that scholarship payments for students belonging to Scheduled Castes had not been delayed by even a single semester during its tenure. This enabled students from economically weaker backgrounds to continue their higher education without unnecessary financial uncertainty. He said, “Talent exists in every section of society. Young people need fair opportunities, quality education and the right support. Our government is working to ensure that financial barriers do not obstruct education and that deserving students can fulfil their dreams.”
The Chief Minister further said that the Punjab Government had provided 70,685 government jobs strictly on merit, without money, recommendations or favouritism. He said, “Transparent recruitment has restored young people’s confidence and demonstrated that government employment can be secured through hard work and merit rather than recommendations. Our priority is to create an environment in which every deserving young person gets an opportunity to succeed.”
He urged the graduating students to take advantage of emerging opportunities in technology, innovation, industry and entrepreneurship and contribute to Punjab’s economic development.
Encouraging students to remain active, purposeful and committed to their goals, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government’s responsibility was to create opportunities and provide the necessary support, while young people had to use those opportunities to reach greater heights. He said, “The government is like an airport runway that provides a platform for an aircraft to take off. We can create opportunities and provide support, but reaching new heights depends on young people themselves. The youth of Punjab possess immense talent, and our priority is to create an environment in which their potential can be fully utilised within the state.”
He urged students to remain connected to their roots, uphold Punjab’s values and become a source of inspiration for others. He also encouraged them to use their knowledge, experience and expertise to help people who do not have access to opportunities.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab’s future depended on an educated, skilled, confident and socially responsible younger generation. He reiterated that the state government was committed to ensuring quality education for every child and fair opportunities for every deserving young person.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann honoured six members of the Indian hockey team who had brought honour to the country by winning the gold medal at the Asian Games. The players included 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 team spirit. He said Punjab had a proud sporting history, with its sons and daughters representing India with distinction at the international level. He said, “The achievements of our hockey players are a matter of pride for Punjab and the entire country. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate what can be achieved through an unwavering commitment to discipline and perseverance.”
He also highlighted Punjab’s preparations to host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy tournament, describing it as an important opportunity to showcase the state’s sporting culture, hospitality and organisational capabilities on the international stage.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the graduating students and extended his best wishes for their future.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Arvind Kumar Bansal and other dignitaries were also present.
