Category Archives: News

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Chandigarh

Chandigarh Mayoral elections today – Congress-AAP confident of victory despite BJP’s efforts

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IEP Chandigarh


Ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for January 18 in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal met on Wednesday. A coalition has been formed between AAP and Congress for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. While AAP is contesting for the mayoral position, Congress has fielded candidates for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. There is a concerted effort to defeat BJP with mutual consent between AAP and Congress. Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that no matter how clever BJP tries to be, this time the math is in favor of our coalition, and we are poised to take control of the municipal corporation. This victory will set the stage for success in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence that the opposition alliance ‘India’ will secure victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections and that this triumph will mark the beginning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. AAP and Congress had formed an alliance on Monday for the elections scheduled to take place on January 18 in the union territory of Chandigarh. Both parties are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India).

Raghav Chadha stated that he is confident that the ‘India’ alliance will defeat the BJP in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. He said, “The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will witness the first major showdown between BJP and the India alliance. It will set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Prior to this, there were allegations against Congress mayoral candidate Jasbir Banti of trying to align with BJP, leading to a commotion at the municipal corporation office on Tuesday night, even reaching the High Court. However, Jasbir Banti clarified that he is with his party and will withdraw his candidacy before the elections.

Haryana

Haryana DGP Meets Telecom Companies, Addresses Network Issues for Helpline Numbers 112 and 1930

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IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Director General Police Shatrujeet Kapur met with representatives of telecom companies to address network problems faced with helpline numbers 112 and 1930.

During a meeting with representatives of telecom companies, Kapur provided a comprehensive list of identified problem areas and issued instructions to rectify them promptly. The objective of the meeting was to find a permanent solution to network-related challenges faced by Haryana 112 and Cyber Helpline No. 1930.

The meeting included a thorough review of call connectivity to these helpline numbers from each district. It was revealed that police station in-charges and officers statewide engage in trial calls to the cyber helpline number 1930 at various times each month. The goal is to ensure the availability of calls on the helpline numbers mentioned.

Representatives from BSNL claimed a 100% phone connection success rate within their network. In response, Director General Kapur directed officials from all telecom companies to investigate areas where phone connectivity issues persist and resolve them promptly. He emphasized that telecom companies should guarantee that calls to 1930 connect seamlessly, even in roaming situations, ensuring individuals can register complaints without hindrance.

The trial results indicated an 86% success rate in connecting phones to the helpline number 1930 across various networks. Kapur, acknowledging the progress, instructed authorities to work towards achieving a 100% connection rate.

In a decisive move, Kapur instructed telecom service provider companies to address connectivity issues in districts identified in the list provided to them. He emphasized the importance of resolving these problems to ensure citizens in these districts do not encounter any hindrances while making calls.

During the meeting, it was revealed that signal problems had been identified in districts such as Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Hansi, Sirsa, Rewari, Nuh, and Charkhi Dadri. Comprehensive data regarding network-related problems in all districts has been shared with telecom companies, urging them to take necessary steps to enhance connectivity.

Chandigarh, Punjab

SADAK SURAKHYA FORCE WILL BE PRESSED INTO SERVICE OF PEOPLE FROM COMING REPUBLIC DAY: CM

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IEP Chandigarh, January 17

          On the auspicious occasion of parkash purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over recruitment letters to 461 youth and exhorted them to follow the footsteps of Dashmesh pitaah to dispense justice to people.

          Addressing the gathering here at Municipal Bhawan during a function to give job letters, the Chief Minister said that the great Sikh guru had taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that on this sacred day all of us must take a pledge to discharge our duty with utmost sincerity, dedication and commitment to serve the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said we must tread the path shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji to serve the people zealously and contribute to the progress of the state.

          The Chief Minister said that this venue has witnessed a number of such events in which youth have got jobs in various government departments. He said that this reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that till date more than 40,000 youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit.

          The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society besides ensuring justice for them. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

          The Chief Minister said that on the coming Republic Day Sadak Surakhya Force will be dedicated to the service of the people. He said that currently the force is undergoing training at Kapurthala adding that this force will be pivotal to check the fatality rate due to road accidents in the state on one hand and to streamline the movement of traffic on the roads of the state on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the first of its kind specialized force will be instrumental to save several precious lives that are lost in road accidents daily in Punjab adding that this force will be entrusted with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents.

          The Chief Minister said that initially around 130 vehicles equipped with ultra modern gadgets will be deployed after every 30 kilometres to man the roads. He said that these vehicles will also have a complete medical kit for providing emergency treatment to any person in need. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force will be duly connected with trauma centres to ensure that people get required medical help on time.

          The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are born entrepreneurs and leaders due to which they have proved their mettle across the globe. He said that the hard work and resilience of the Punjabis is unmatched due to which they excel in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this spirit of Punjabis can be duly used for taking the state ahead, for which the state government is already making strenuous efforts.

          The Chief Minister said that in order to provide employment opportunities to the youth of Punjab, the State Government is carrying out regular recruitment drives in various departments. He said that recently, appointment letters have been given to 200 freshly recruited civilian support staff in the Investigation Cadre which includes Legal Officers, Assistant Legal Officers, Financial Officers, Assistant Financial Officers and Forensic Officers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from this, 245 new sub-inspectors have also been recruited in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation wing for the first time for the investigation cadre, who are undergoing training at the Punjab Police Academy Phillaur.

          The Chief Minister said that today appointment letters are being given to newly recruited Head Constables in the Investigation Cadre. He said that this is for the first time in the history of Punjab Police that Head Constables are being recruited directly. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Induction of Head Constables in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation (PBoI) wing will help in improving the quality of investigation at a cutting edge level and will further enhance the conviction rate.

          The Chief Minister said that recruitment of Head Constables will also give a boost to the police force to tackle different kinds of crimes and to help in carrying out in-depth investigations. Moreover, he said that as committed by the State Government, the yearly recruitment process to 1746 posts of Constable and 288 posts of Sub-Inspector is also going on. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in future also, the State Government will continue to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub-Inspectors in Punjab Police every year, so that every youth gets an opportunity to be a part of this prestigious police force.     

          The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.

          The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that Punjab Police is discharging its duty to ensure that more than three crore people of the state sleep well. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that ever since he has assumed the charge of office his government has been laying major trust on the upgradation of the Police force. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that focus is being laid on the modrenisation of the Police force on scientific lines and even Artificial Intelligence is being introduced.

          The Chief Minister said that apart from discharging its core duty of maintaining law and order, the Punjab Police has always safeguarded the interests of the country and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the changing scenario the challenges for the force have increased manifold due to which modernization is the need of hour to combat them effectively. He said that his government has ensured that the political pressure on the Police is removed so that they can discharge their duties efficiently.

          The Chief Minister said that gone are the days when fake cases were registered against the innocent people out of political vendetta. Rather, he said that the Police is now doing its duty in a fair and impartial manner to assure that justice is given to people. He said that instead of using the Police as a remote and a computer his government has handed over these gadgets in the hands of cops to enhance their efficiency. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though there are several challenges in form of cross border smuggling, narco terrorism, organized crime in form of gangsters along with others, but the Punjab Police is capable enough to face them valiantly.

Punjab

Sports Minister Meet Hayer condoles the sad demise of Kabaddi legend Devi Dayal

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IEP Chandigarh, January 17

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of legendary Kabaddi player and coach Devi Dayal. Kabaddi legend, who was 76 years old, passed away last evening.

          In his condolence message, Meet Hayer said that Devi Dayal’s contributions to the Kabaddi game cannot be forgotten. He took the Kabaddi to the international level. He said that the memorial services performed by Devi Dayal in the sports field will always be remembered with respect.

          The Sports Minister said that after making a name as a player in the country and abroad, Devi Dayal also served the Kabaddi game for a long time as a coach and sports officer in the sports department. He retired as a Senior Kabaddi Coach from the Sports Department in 2005.

          Meet Hayer prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and to grant strength to the entire sports field including the family to bear the loss.

Punjab

THREATS CAN’T DETER ME FROM SERVING THE PEOPLE, AS I AM CUSTODIAN OF PEACE, PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF THE STATE: CM

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IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Unfazed by threats of some radical forces to his life, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday categorically said that he is the custodian of peace, progress and prosperity of the state and intimidations cannot stop him from this noble task.

Interacting with the media persons here on the sidelines of a function to hand over job letters to youth, the Chief Minister said that such threats are a natural outcome of the zero tolerance policy adopted by the state government to foil the nefarious designs of anti-Punjab forces. He said that these people are trying to disturb the hard earned peace of the state but his government will not allow these fissiparous forces to succeed in their evil designs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab being a border state is hostile to such challenges both from within and outside the state adding that they will face it valiantly by not succumbing to such threats.

The Chief Minister said that the masterminds of such anti-Punjab stances have taken shelter in countries abroad but we are trying to bring them back and punish them for their sins. He said that the countries that are haven to such dreaded criminals should also send these hardcore criminals back to the state in the larger interest of world peace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Indian government should also take steps to bring such dreaded anti-national criminals back to the country and punish them as per the law of land.

Taking a jibe over Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Chief Minister described him as a ‘fugitive’ who ran away from discharging duty when he was offered the charge of Power minister. He said that now when the state government has started a reverse trend by purchasing a private Thermal Power Plant, Sidhu is making baseless and misleading statements. Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded the Congress leader that ‘little knowledge is dangerous’ adding that the former MP must verify his facts before giving any statement.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab will emerge as a lighthouse by giving all the 13 seats of Lok Sabha to them in the coming general polls. He said that the state government has done marvelous work for the welfare of the people, so the masses will once again stand with them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that history will be created in the state by 13-0, where 13 seats will be verdict in favor of pro-people policies of the state government and the opposition will be badly renounced by people for their anti-Punjab stance.

Punjab

PUNJAB CM DOES MARATHON MEETINGS  TO BRING INVESTMENT IN PUNJAB WITH FORIEGN DIPLOMATS

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IEP New Delhi/ Chandigarh

Due to concerted efforts of the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Ambassadors of the various countries on Wednesday evinced keen interest in making huge investments in the state.

During the meetings with the Ambassadors, the Chief Minister showcased Punjab as a land of opportunities and invited them to encourage the companies of their respective countries to invest in the state. He said that companies will be immensely benefited by investing in the state, which is rapidly emerging as the industrial hub of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the foreign companies should make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture to spread their business. Extending a red carpet welcome to the companies, he said that the state government was always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will emerge as the industrial hub of the country.

In a meeting with Australian Ambassador Phillip Green, the Chief Minister underlined the need for mutual cooperation in varied fields to further boost economy of Australia as well as that of Punjab. He said that there is a huge potential of investment in agriculture, sports industry, cattle feed, education and others in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited the Australian companies to invest in the state adding that it will be mutually beneficial for Australia and Punjab.

During meeting with Ambassador of United Kingdom Alex Ellis, the Chief Minister said that there was a huge scope of mutual growth between Punjab and UK in Agri-Food Processing sector in terms of Processing for poultry, pork, value added dairy products, fruit Juice concentrate manufacturing, potato Processing, food Packaging and ready to Eat/Confectionary Items. Likewise, he said that both UK and Punjab can also be benefitted from strategic tie ups in Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, Information Technology and Chemical sectors adding he invited the UK universities to set up their campuses in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann also reminded the Ambassador about the pivotal role being played by Punjabis in socio-economic development of United Kingdom adding he also flagged the issue of providing Direct flight connectivity between UK and Punjab to facilitate the passengers.

In a meeting with Ambassador of Brazil Kenneth H. da Nobrega, the Chief Minister said that there was a huge scope of investment by the Brazilian companies especially in sectors like Agro Food Processing, New and Renewable Source of Energy, Logistics, Information and Technology and Chemicals. He said that Brazilian companies can be immensely benefitted by investing in the state as apart from fertile land the state has a pool of skilled and hard working manpower which can be of immense use for them. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that the state will provide fulsome support and cooperation to the Brazalian companies desirous of investing in the state.

During deliberations with Ambassador of Spain José María Ridao, the Chief Minister apprised him that Punjab exports major products like basmati rice, bulk drugs, products of steel and iron, auto components, agro-chemicals, cotton fabrics, madeups and others to Spain and the total value of these exports was Rs 510.35 crores. He said that there is further a huge scope of investment in sectors of Agro food processing, Aerospace and Defence, New and Renewable Source of Energy, Information and Technology and Auto/ Automobile components. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Spain is the 16th largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in India and Punjab can also be immensely benefitted from it.

In a meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, the Chief Minister apprised him that Punjab has emerged as a most preferred Tourist destination and state government is already promoting tourism on a large scale. He said that strategic tie up between Punjab and Malaysia especially in Tourism and diaspora can be immensely beneficial for both. Likewise, he also said that there is a huge scope of investment in the state in sectors like Manufacturing, Information and technology, Energy and Agriculture and Food Processing.

During a meeting with Ambassador of Netherlands Mrs. Marie Louisa Gerards, the Chief Minister said that it is heartening to know that Netherlands is the fourth largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in India. He said that companies from Netherlands have already invested in Punjab and he had also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of De Heus factory at Vividha Industrial Park, Rajpura in October 2023. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Centre of Excellence for Potato crop is an Indo-Dutch Project is running successfully and the Dutch government, in collaboration with Dutch organizations Solidaridad, PUM (an organization founded by VNO-NCW and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is working with textile finishing cluster in Ludhiana adding he said that there is a huge scope of investment in several other sectors like Food Processing, Logistics, Alloys and Steels, Pharmaceuticals and Information Technology.

Punjab

BDPO ARRESTED BY VB TAKING BRIBE FROM SARPANCHES SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

          In line with the directives of Rural Development & Panchayat Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, the department has suspended the services of Mamdot’s Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Sarabjit Singh with immediate effect. Sarabjit Singh was apprehended by the Vigilance Bureau yesterday for accepting bribe from sarpanches.

          During the suspension period, the employee’s headquarters will be at the office of the District Development and Panchayat Officer, Ferozepur.

          Meanwhile, asserting the commitment to ensuring corruption-free governance, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government will not tolerate any form of corruption. He affirmed that action against corrupt officials will be pursued to a logical conclusion.

Punjab

MEET HAYER CONGRATULATES SIFT KAUR SAMRA FOR WINNING GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS AT THE ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Saturday has congratulated the Faridkot based Shooter Sift Kaur Samra for winning the Gold and Silver Medal at the Asian Championship being held in Jakarta. Sift won gold in the team event and silver in the individual event.

Meet Hayer said that Sift Kaur Samra has made the name of the state and the country bright with her continuous good performance. Sift won Gold and Silver medals in the Asian Games last year with a World record. She also Won a bronze medal in the World Cup. She also qualified for the Paris Olympic Games.

The Sports Minister said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to uplifting the standard of sports in the State to make it regain its pristine glory on the world stage. Under the new sports policy, while cash prizes are being given to the players, cash prizes are also being given for the preparation of sports competitions.

Meet Hayer has also congratulated Sift Kaur Samra’s parents and coach for her achievements. In the ongoing Asian Championship-2024 (Rifle/Pistol) held in Jakarta, Sift Kaur Samra won the Silver medal in the individual category by scoring 460.6 points while the Gold Medal winner Korea’s Eunseo Lee scored 462.5 points. Sift won a Gold medal in the team category.

Haryana

Deprived individuals to receive permanent homes under Mukjyamantri Awas Yojna: CM

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal presented a government bus facility as a Lohri gift to school children during a Jan Samvad Program in Zarifabad village, part of his constituency in Karnal district. With this initiative, children from Zarifabad village will no longer need to walk to Manjura School. The facility of bus service will commence on January 16, right after the conclusion of the school holidays. In addition, the Chief Minister announced various developmental projects in Zarifabad village.

During the Jan Samvad program, the female Sarpanch of the village, Santosh Devi placed several demands before the Chief Minister including the renovation of the village drain, the introduction of a government bus service for school children, the construction of a concrete road to the cremation ground, paving of the road from Panchayati land to Indra Palace in the village, renovation of the library and need for the renovation of the Chaupal. Responding to these demands, the Chief Minister pledged to address nearly all the demands presented by the Gram Panchayat. Furthermore, the Sarpanch raised the community’s request for the construction of permanent houses for underprivileged individuals in the village under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Acknowledging this request, the Chief Minister revealed that the Haryana Government is formulating the Mukjya Mantri Awas Yojna, aiming to provide permanent housing to those who may not benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Chief Minister facilitates on-the-spot pension approvals for six eligible individuals

The Jan Samvad program brought immediate relief to six residents of Zarifabad, as Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal instructed the on-the-spot implementation of their pensions. District Social Welfare Officer Sh Satyawan Dhilod promptly executed the pension disbursement. The Chief Minister personally handed out pension certificates to the beneficiaries, namely Gurmeet Singh, Santokh Singh, Purna Singh, Maan Kaur, Karam Chand, and Nakli Ram.

District BJP President Yogendra Rana, Municipal Corporation Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, Chief Minister’s representative Sanjay Bathla, Senior Deputy Mayor Rajesh Aggi, District General Secretary Sunil Goyal, Deputy Commissioner Anish Yadav, Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan, ADC Dr. Vaishali Sharma, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Abhishek Meena and officials of various departments were also present on this occasion.

Haryana

Educated youth are now finding a new path to ‘success’ based on merit, without the burden of any expense or favoritism

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IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, has taken a significant stride towards transparent and merit-based employment to the youth in the state. The Haryana Staff Selection Commission has declared the written examination results for the recruitment of 13,657 posts in the CET Group-D category. Aspiring candidates can access the results on the Commission’s website, www.hssc.gov.in, by using their registration number and date of birth. The test was conducted by the National testing agency, a Government of India organization on behalf of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC).

The recruitment process for these positions involved an ‘OMR’ based written examination conducted on October 21st and 22nd, 2023.

HSSC Chairman, Sh Bhopal Singh Khadri, said that out of the 13,84,012 candidates who registered for the examination, 8,55,221 candidates appeared in the exam. Through a merit-based selection process, a total of 13,657 candidates will be chosen for various positions, including 13,104 in the common cadre of the state government and 553 in different boards and corporations. The distribution comprises 5,875 posts for the general category, 2,730 for Scheduled Caste, 2,183 for BC-A, 1,504 for BC-B, and 1,365 for economically weaker section candidates. Advertisement for seeking willingness of candidates placed on CET result is expected to be issued by HSSC in a couple of days and the portal is likely to open next week.

He highlighted a milestone in Haryana’s history, with the introduction of the One Time Registration (OTR) facility for youth, announced by Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal on January 12, 2021. This initiative aimed to alleviate the need for repeated job applications, saving candidates both time and money. Additionally, candidates were provided with the convenience of free travel in State Roadways buses to facilitate their participation in the examination.

Over the past nine years, 110,000 youth secure government jobs, 60,000 more opportunities in the pipeline

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Manohar Lal is committed to ensuring recruitment in government jobs in a transparent manner. Unlike previous administrations, where the practice of favoritism and unnecessary expenses hindered qualified youth from securing jobs, the government has significantly increased employment opportunities to eligible candidates during its tenure of over nine years. In the 15-year period from 1999 to 2014, only 86,067 jobs were given through the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) and Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). In contrast, the current government in the state has, through a transparent appointment system, provided government jobs to approximately 110,000 deserving youth from 2014 to 2023, with plans to offer around 60,000 more jobs shortly.

The government, under Chief Minister Manohar Lal, successfully reinstated numerous jobs that had been stuck in the courts since many years during the previous regime, facilitating the joining of individuals into positions such as PTI, Assistant Lineman, Canal Patwari, Clerk, Lower Division Clerk, and Professors.