Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Appointment Letters to 1,746 New Punjab Police Recruits

Jalandhar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday handed over appointment letters to 1,746 young men and women joining the Punjab Police, describing the recruitment as another major step towards providing merit-based employment while strengthening the state’s police force. Addressing the passing-out parade of the newly recruited constables at PAP Ground, Phillaur, the Chief Minister said that 70,840 youth have so far been provided government jobs purely on merit under the ‘No Cash, No Farmaish’ principle. He said the transparent recruitment process has helped create employment opportunities for young people across villages, towns and cities of Punjab. Mann congratulated the recruits and their families, urging the newly inducted personnel to serve the people with dedication, professionalism and commitment.

13,092 Personnel Recruited in Four-and-a-Half Years

The Chief Minister said that 13,092 personnel have been recruited into the Punjab Police during the last four-and-a-half years, while the recruitment process for another 3,298 constables is currently underway. He said the latest recruitment would further strengthen the force and enable it to respond more effectively to emerging challenges. He said the newly recruited personnel were joining the police force at an important time when Punjab was creating employment opportunities while simultaneously strengthening its security apparatus.

1,600 New Posts Approved for Police Promotions

Mann said the state government has approved 1,600 new district-cadre posts in the Punjab Police, including 150 Inspectors, 450 Sub-Inspectors and 1,000 Assistant Sub-Inspectors. These posts will be filled through departmental promotions, providing serving police personnel with opportunities for career advancement. He said the government was committed to strengthening the police force and ensuring promotions on the basis of merit and seniority.

‘Punjab Police Guards the Nation’s Border’

The Chief Minister said the Punjab Police has a unique responsibility as Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long border with a hostile neighbouring country. He said the force has consistently played an important role in protecting the unity and integrity of the country while maintaining peace in the state. He urged the new recruits to uphold the legacy of the Punjab Police and remain prepared to deal with emerging security threats through modern investigation techniques, science and technology.

New Recruits Asked to Join Fight Against Drugs

Mann said Punjab had suffered a serious setback due to drugs, but the state government has launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign to tackle the menace. He claimed that more than 70,000 drug smugglers have been arrested during the last over 500 days and properties linked to drug peddlers are being confiscated and demolished. Calling upon the new recruits to play an active role in the campaign, he said the Punjab Police must continue to act as a strong barrier against the supply of drugs and work towards making Punjab free from the menace.

Over 15,000 Police Appointment Letters Issued Since 2022

The Chief Minister said that more than 15,000 appointment letters have been issued in the Police Department since 2022 to strengthen and modernise the force. He said new and upgraded vehicles have also been provided to police personnel to help them discharge their duties more efficiently.

SSF Deployed Across 4,200 Km of Highways

Highlighting the state’s road safety initiatives, Mann said Punjab has launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) to improve road safety and save lives on highways. He said specially trained personnel, including women, have been recruited and equipped with modern vehicles. The force has been deployed across around 4,200 kilometres of accident-prone highways.

According to the official briefing, the formation of the SSF has contributed to a 52.87 per cent reduction in deaths in road accidents. The force is also working to deter traffic violations and improve emergency response on highways.

‘Serve People with Missionary Zeal’

Mann urged the newly recruited police personnel to make public welfare their foremost priority and use their position to help needy and underprivileged sections of society. He said the recruits should work with honesty, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.