Punjab Government Opens Vidhan Sabha to Students, Promotes Democratic Awareness and Educational Aspirations
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called upon the state’s young generation to dream big, work with determination and build their future through talent and hard work, reaffirming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s focus on merit-based employment, youth empowerment and accessible healthcare.
Interacting with students of Guru Gobind Singh International School, Faridkot, at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Thursday, Mann said young people were Punjab’s greatest strength and that providing them with opportunities, encouragement and a progressive environment was essential to the state’s future development.
The visit offered students an opportunity to understand the functioning of the state legislature, including how laws are debated and passed, how the state budget is approved and how elected representatives are held accountable. The initiative also reflected the government’s emphasis on familiarising young citizens with democratic institutions and their role in public life.
Mann stresses merit over recommendations in government recruitment
Highlighting one of the AAP government’s key governance claims, Mann said public employment should be determined by merit rather than political influence or personal recommendations.
He told students that young people from every background should have a fair opportunity to succeed and serve Punjab. According to the Chief Minister, the government is working towards an environment in which talent, dedication and perseverance—not connections—open doors to employment.
The message was particularly relevant for students considering careers in civil services, medicine, law, the armed forces and other professions. Mann encouraged them to begin preparing for their ambitions immediately instead of waiting for what they might consider the perfect moment.
He also urged students not to allow examination results, early failures or temporary setbacks to weaken their confidence. Sharing his own experience of losing his first election, he said setbacks should be treated as opportunities to learn, improve and return with greater determination.
Referring to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s message about the power of dreams, Mann encouraged students to pursue goals that inspire sustained effort and commitment.
Vidhan Sabha visit aims to strengthen democratic awareness
Explaining the significance of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann said the institution belonged to the people and played a central role in decisions affecting the state’s future.
He explained that legislation is introduced, debated and passed in the Assembly, while the state budget is also considered and approved there. He stressed that young citizens should understand how democratic institutions operate and how public representatives are answerable to the people.
Recalling his own interest in parliamentary proceedings from an early age, the Chief Minister shared that during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he had invited students to Parliament so they could observe democratic institutions at work.
The interaction sought to connect classroom learning with practical exposure to governance, helping students gain a better understanding of the legislative process and the responsibilities of elected representatives.
₹10 lakh health cover highlighted as a public welfare measure
Mann also highlighted the Punjab government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which eligible families are provided health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh.
He said strengthening access to healthcare was essential to ensuring that families did not have to compromise on medical treatment because of financial constraints. The scheme was presented as part of the government’s broader public welfare approach, aimed at improving access to essential services and supporting families facing healthcare expenses.
The Chief Minister reiterated that public services and welfare measures must contribute to improving the quality of life of people across the state.
‘Dream without fear, work without excuses’
Concluding his interaction, Mann urged students to establish clear goals and pursue them with honesty, discipline and dedication. He emphasised that sustained effort and commitment to one’s responsibilities were essential for long-term success.
His message aligned with the AAP government’s stated emphasis on youth opportunity, transparent recruitment and public welfare. By bringing students into the Vidhan Sabha, the government also sought to encourage greater awareness of democratic processes among the next generation.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The interaction combined career guidance with an introduction to the state’s legislative institution, with Mann urging students to approach their ambitions with confidence and to contribute to Punjab’s progress through education, hard work and integrity.
