Chandigarh, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Wednesday said the Bhagwant Mann-led state government has brought a major transformation in the government recruitment system by ensuring that appointments are made solely on merit without money, recommendations or political influence.
Speaking during a discussion on a resolution moved by AAP MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha regarding employment opportunities for youth, Goyal said the transparent recruitment process has restored confidence among young job aspirants and their families.
Goyal said that before the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party government in 2022, many people believed that securing a government job depended on political connections, personal recommendations and financial influence. He alleged that deserving candidates often faced uncertainty despite having merit and qualifications.
The minister said the previous recruitment system had left many talented youngsters disappointed and demoralised. He added that the Mann government had created an environment where candidates could secure government employment through hard work and merit rather than influence or money.
“More than 68,000 government jobs have not only provided employment but have also revived the confidence of a generation that had started believing that government jobs could not be secured without money or recommendations,” Goyal said.
He said the government provided around 20,000 jobs during its first year in office and has since expanded employment opportunities through a transparent recruitment mechanism.
According to Goyal, the policy of merit-based recruitment has encouraged students to focus on education and competitive examinations. He also highlighted the performance of government school students, saying 882 students from Punjab government schools cleared the NEET examination, reflecting increasing confidence in the public education system.
The minister said employment opportunities have also encouraged youngsters to build careers in Punjab instead of seeking opportunities abroad. Citing an example from his native village Hamirgarh, he said a young woman who had completed visa formalities and purchased flight tickets to go overseas cancelled her plans after being selected as a Patwari and is now serving in Punjab.
Goyal said even candidates who have not yet secured government jobs continue to prepare for competitive examinations with the belief that honest efforts and merit will be rewarded.
He added that while recruitment controversies and paper leaks at the national level have affected students’ confidence, the Punjab Government has established a transparent and accountable recruitment framework to ensure equal opportunities for deserving candidates.
The minister said the government’s efforts have helped dismantle the culture of favouritism and political patronage in recruitment, restoring faith among Punjab’s youth that government jobs can be obtained through merit and hard work.
FOLLOW NOW
