In a significant boost to the state's police force, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally handed over appointment letters to 1,746 newly recruited police constables on Sunday. The ceremony was held at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) grounds in Jalandhar, marking a major step in the state's security infrastructure.
Merit-Based Recruitment Ends Old Practices
Addressing the new recruits, Chief Minister Mann emphasized that the selection process was conducted with complete transparency and was based solely on merit. He stated that this move has effectively put an end to the previous system of "cash and recommendations" that had plagued government recruitments. Mann urged the incoming constables to serve the public with the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and commitment.
The fresh induction includes 1,261 constables for the District Cadre and 485 for the Armed Cadre. The Chief Minister outlined the critical role these personnel will play in tackling Punjab's most pressing challenges. He identified key areas such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, gang activity, and border security as their primary focus.
Securing a Sensitive Border State
Highlighting Punjab's strategic position, Mann noted that the state shares a 532-kilometre international boundary, making it a sensitive border region. A core responsibility of the strengthened police force will be to safeguard this border and prevent the illegal inflow of drugs, weapons, and explosives. The Chief Minister assured that the government is committed to modernizing the police force to meet these challenges head-on.
Future plans include equipping the police with modern technology, advanced investigation methods, and specialized manpower to combat sophisticated crimes like cyber fraud and organized crime. Mann revealed that anti-drone systems have already been deployed in border districts, and surveillance capabilities will be further upgraded to counter emerging security threats.
A Broader Record of Employment Generation
Beyond the police recruitment, CM Bhagwant Mann briefly referenced his government's broader achievements in providing public sector employment. He announced that since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) assumed power in March 2022, the state government has provided over 63,000 government jobs to the youth of Punjab. This figure underscores the administration's focus on fulfilling its promise of generating employment through fair and transparent processes.
The event in Jalandhar serves as a concrete example of the government's ongoing drive to fill vacancies in crucial services while instilling a culture of meritocracy. The newly appointed constables are now set to begin their training and service, forming a vital part of Punjab's frontline defense against crime and insecurity.
