NEW DELHI: Punjab is stepping into a new era of smart governance, where technology, transparency, and accountability are reshaping administration under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The state government has demonstrated how innovative thinking and honest intent can save public money and strengthen governance.
Earlier, crores were routinely spent on road repairs without proper verification. For the first time, the Mann government conducted a state-wide survey of roads using artificial intelligence and videography. Out of 3,369 roads examined, 843 were found to be in perfect condition — the same roads on which previous governments had spent crores under repair works.
By halting unnecessary tenders, the government saved ₹383 crore, which will now be redirected towards public welfare.
The reforms, however, go beyond roadworks. Punjab’s prisons are undergoing a ₹252 crore modernization project, equipped with 5G jammers, AI-enabled cameras, and live monitoring systems to ensure greater security. In policing and taxation, advanced technologies are being adopted to create systems rooted in efficiency and transparency.
Even the transport sector has been reformed, with AI-based HAMS technology ensuring driving tests are fully recorded and free of manipulation.
Education lies at the heart of Punjab’s technological transformation. The government has begun training 10,000 teachers in artificial intelligence, preparing them to introduce lakhs of students to AI at the school level. “These will not just be teachers, but pioneers,” officials said, highlighting the goal of empowering Punjab’s youth to become job creators rather than mere job seekers.
Agriculture and culture, too, are being integrated into the digital revolution. Punjab Agricultural University has introduced AI-based courses to provide farming families with technical education. Simultaneously, a mission to incorporate the Punjabi language into artificial intelligence has been launched, opening new digital career opportunities while giving global recognition to the mother tongue.
Officials said this transformation is not just about new policies but about a change in mindset. “Development in Punjab is no longer limited to roads and buildings — it’s about ensuring access to technology that improves everyday life,” a spokesperson noted.
By combining accountability with innovation, the Mann government has projected Punjab as a state moving away from scams towards integrity, progress, and forward-looking development.
