NEW DELHI: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has achieved a historic milestone in employment generation, creating more than 5 lakh new job opportunities across government and private sectors since 16 March 2022. This landmark initiative emphasizes merit-based recruitment, ensuring jobs are awarded on ability rather than recommendations, bringing renewed hope to lakhs of families.
Central to this achievement is the “Ghar Ghar Rozgar Te Karobar Mission”, which has revolutionized employment in the state. The dedicated portal (pgrkam.com) has registered over 8 lakh job seekers and 4,500 companies, providing not only job placements but also skill development and entrepreneurship support. Large-scale employment fairs organized through the portal have been highly successful, including one that offered 90,000 jobs. Trainees also receive a monthly allowance of ₹2,500, with lakhs of youth receiving career guidance between 2022 and 2024.
On the government front, Punjab has rapidly filled permanent positions across 40 departments, totaling over 54,422 jobs by June 2025. Key sectors include education and police services. Recruitment processes conducted through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) have ensured complete transparency, eliminating bribery and favoritism. Upon assuming office, the government regularized 9,000 temporary employees, and by December 2024, 50,000 jobs had been filled, strengthening public services with new teachers and doctors.
In parallel, private sector growth has been a priority. Over ₹1.25 lakh crore of new investment has been attracted to Punjab, generating 4.5 lakh private jobs in industries such as auto parts, food processing, and electronics. Leading companies like Infosys and Haldiram are expanding operations in the state, supported by simplified business regulations and reduced inspections. A new law enacted in October 2025 is projected to create an additional 25,000 jobs, further establishing Punjab as an attractive destination for investors.
In total, combining government and private sector employment, Punjab has created over 5 lakh jobs, significantly reducing the state’s unemployment rate from 6.89% in March 2023 to 6.5% by July 2025. Rural unemployment has declined to 5.8%, while targeted measures are ongoing to reduce urban unemployment from 8.2%. Importantly, these opportunities include permanent, contractual, and self-employment positions, reducing outmigration and fostering economic prosperity at the community level.
The government’s initiatives have focused particularly on youth aged 18–35, women, and rural populations. 1.64 lakh individuals have benefited from 1,149 self-employment camps, offering agriculture-based business training for women and computer skills for rural youth. Merit-based recruitment has curtailed nepotism, while women have found significant employment in education and healthcare. Proximity of new factories to villages has reduced the need for migration, while falling unemployment has also contributed to a reduction in social challenges such as drug abuse.
Despite initial hurdles, including a state debt of ₹3 lakh crore and criticism from opposition parties, the government has remained steadfast in its mission. Investment in private industry and the successful execution of employment fairs have validated the reality of these opportunities. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s guiding principle, “Not recommendation, ability”, is being realized across the state, from village school teachers to engineers in factories.
For job seekers, opportunities remain accessible via the portals pgrkam.com and pbemployment.punjab.gov.in. More than just job creation, these initiatives aim to build a stronger, more prosperous Punjab, setting an example of governance that delivers on its promises.
