Chandigarh, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training and Industries & Commerce Minister Aman Arora on Wednesday said the state government has provided more than 68,000 government jobs, attracted investments worth ₹1,83,837 crore and facilitated the creation of 6,36,636 private sector jobs during the last four-and-a-half years.
Winding up the discussion on a resolution regarding employment opportunities for youth moved by MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Arora said the investment inflows had generated employment opportunities both directly and indirectly across various sectors.
Highlighting the impact of industrial investment, he cited the example of Japanese steel major AICHI Steel, which increased its proposed investment in Punjab from ₹500 crore to ₹1,100 crore after appreciating the state government’s support, facilitation measures and ease of doing business initiatives.
Responding to Congress MLA Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia’s claim that no youth from Shahkot Assembly constituency had received government employment, Arora challenged him to organise a public gathering in Shahkot to verify the allegation.
“I will come there and we will ask people whether they have got government jobs. If I am wrong, I will resign as minister and MLA. If I am right, then Laddi should resign,” Arora said. He added that the Congress MLA did not accept the challenge and left the House.
Arora asserted that all government recruitments under the Mann government were conducted purely on merit and without bribery or recommendations.
The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on skill development, saying that the state budget allocated ₹25 crore for the Skill Development Mission for the first time, compared to ₹10 crore earlier. He claimed that more than 22 lakh youth had been supported through placement camps and career guidance initiatives.
He said a recent mega job fair held in Sunam saw participation from 61 companies, which issued appointment letters to nearly 700 youngsters on the spot.
Arora further announced that a ₹100-crore world-class Sant Attar Singh Maharaj Armed Forces Preparatory Institute was being established in Sangrur district. The institute, he said, would train 500 youth annually for officer-level positions in the armed forces.
Citing central government data, Arora said Punjab’s unemployment rate among the 15-29 age group declined from 19.1 per cent in 2022 to 17 per cent in 2025, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey.
Drawing a comparison with China’s economic growth, Arora said countries progress when they create opportunities for every citizen to contribute. He said the government’s role was not only to provide jobs but also to create an ecosystem where industries grow and youth can secure dignified employment.
“We are not here to just give numbers. We are creating an atmosphere where every youth can stand on his own feet,” he said.
Reacting to the Opposition’s demand for a white paper on employment, Arora said the most reliable assessment could come directly from people through public meetings or RTI applications.
Targeting the previous Congress government, he described its “Har Ghar Naukri” promise as a major disappointment for Punjab’s youth and said the AAP government had ensured transparent recruitment without any favouritism.
Arora said the government’s objective was to position Punjab as a leading state in ease of doing business while creating skill-based and sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
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