In a significant stride towards addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth, the Punjab government has made substantial progress in providing employment opportunities since April 2022. Recent data indicates that approximately 45 jobs have been provided every day by the Punjab government since 2022. This reflects a concerted effort to curb brain drain and create sustainable employment within the state.
Government Job Creation
Since April 2022, the Punjab government has provided permanent government jobs to over 59,000 youths across various departments. This large-scale recruitment drive demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring fair and transparent opportunities for deserving youth. The creation of these jobs has been prioritized in sectors that directly impact public services, governance, and the daily lives of citizens. These include positions for clerks, teachers, police constables, nurses, engineers, and administrative staff.
Private Sector and Self-Employment
In addition to government jobs, the Punjab government has also facilitated employment for over 48,912 candidates in the private sector through 959 placement camps. Furthermore, around 10,064 youths were encouraged towards self-employment through loan camps during 2025.
Transparent and Merit-Based System
A key feature of the Punjab government's employment drive is the emphasis on transparency and merit. The government has actively worked to eliminate bribery and the influence of middlemen in the recruitment process. Many individuals have shared their experiences of securing jobs based purely on merit, restoring trust in public institutions.
Digital Platform and Skilling Initiatives
The state's official employment portal, PGRKAM (punjabrozgar.org.in), has played a crucial role in transforming the job ecosystem. The platform has registered over 22.41 lakh job seekers and 20,669 employers. Through this platform, over 1,316 Job Melas have been organized, ensuring wider and transparent access to employment opportunities. The Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) is also providing skill training to 70,000 youths per year.
Defense Training and Gender Parity
Punjab has also set national benchmarks in defense training. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) has recorded an impressive success rate in NDA selections. In a step towards gender parity, Punjab launched the country's first state-run NDA Preparatory Wing for girls at the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Punjab's population has surged, increasing pressure on public resources and the availability of government jobs. The demand for jobs continues to outweigh the supply, with over 2 million job seekers registered on the online portal. Moving forward, the Punjab government needs to continue its focus on creating employment opportunities, promoting skill development, and ensuring fair and transparent recruitment processes to meet the aspirations of its youth and drive economic growth.
