Did Punjab CM Mann Just Hand Over 505 Mini-Bus Permits to Unemployed Youth?
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Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, Dec 19 (NationPress) In a move to dismantle the dominance of large entities in the transportation industry, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday presented 505 mini-bus permits to unemployed youth under the Rozgar Kranti Scheme.
At a governmental function, Chief Minister Mann described this as a significant achievement, as the state government has launched the Rozgar Kranti with this self-employment initiative.
"The Transport Department has authorized 1,165 small stage carriage permits from March 2022 until now, and today 505 young individuals are receiving permits under the Small Stage Carriage Permit Scheme. These permits were distributed in a transparent manner to empower youth from common backgrounds," he stated.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, the Chief Minister highlighted that this initiative would invigorate the economy, impacting sectors such as petrol pump operations, bus services, and other related fields.
"Previously, students faced challenges due to the lack of bus services; now, the state government has initiated school bus services specifically for girls," he remarked.
CM Mann also mentioned that the government has committed to resurfacing 43,000 kilometers of roads, which includes 19,000 kilometers of rural routes, with a stipulation for five years of road maintenance.
The Chief Minister emphasized that 58,000 youths secured government jobs without any corruption, favoritism, or recommendations. He noted that under past administrations, bus permits were typically granted only to those closely associated with the ruling party.
He criticized previous governments for turning this business into a family operation by granting permits to their associates and monopolizing the industry.
"This trend has now been reversed, as an honest government dedicated to the welfare of all is in power," CM Mann asserted.
Discussing the recent local body elections in Punjab, the Chief Minister stated, "The local body elections were conducted fairly, and some candidates won by margins of just two or three votes. The opposition is unnecessarily raising concerns, as they have been rejected by the people of Punjab. The residents, particularly in rural areas, have chosen development and tangible progress over empty promises."