Punjab Newsline | Bathinda
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann distributed appointment letters to 658 newly recruited youths during an event in Bathinda and announced a major policy decision aimed at benefiting women employees in government service.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said that women appointed in Group-C and Group-D categories will be posted within a 40-kilometre radius of their permanent residence after completing their probation period. He stated that the government has already initiated the process to implement the policy.
The Chief Minister also targeted the Central Government over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, claiming that even exams like NEET have faced repeated paper leak controversies. In contrast, he asserted that not a single recruitment examination paper has been leaked during the tenure of the Punjab government.
Mann said previous governments had allegedly turned jobs into a business, with recruitment posts being sold for lakhs of rupees. He claimed that government jobs are now being offered strictly on merit, ensuring transparency and equal opportunities for deserving candidates.
Highlighting the importance of education, the Chief Minister said poverty can only be eradicated through learning and skill development. He claimed Punjab has made significant progress in the education sector, rising from 27th position to the top rank in the country and surpassing Kerala.
Urging newly appointed officials to remain accountable and serve people honestly, Mann said every individual holding a public office is responsible for delivering efficient services. Quoting renowned Punjabi poet Pash, he remarked that “the most dangerous thing is the death of dreams,” encouraging young employees to continue pursuing their aspirations.
Explaining the new posting policy, Mann said female employees will be required to submit a form after completing probation. Unmarried women can provide their parental address, married women their in-laws’ residence, and single women their current place of residence.
Based on the information provided, postings will be made within a 40-kilometre radius wherever possible.
The Chief Minister also referred to financial assistance schemes for women, saying that while monthly support may not make beneficiaries wealthy, it provides meaningful economic relief. He reiterated that protecting people’s rights and ensuring fair opportunities remain key priorities of his government.
