LUDHIANA: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday gave a strong call to girls to step forward as equal partners in shaping Punjab’s future, asserting that the state cannot become a front runner in the country without the full participation of women in governance, economy and politics. On the occasion of a state-level International Women’s Day function at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, the Chief Minister highlighted how the Punjab Government is actively dismantling barriers that kept women away from key sectors. He pointed out to merit-based recruitment where a majority of the over 63,000 government jobs have gone to girls, the opening of Fire Fighting services to women after removing unrealistic conditions, and the growing presence of women officers in top administrative positions.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also urged young women to enter politics and become active participants in decision-making, stressing that a stronger democracy and a more progressive Punjab will only be possible when women play a central role in shaping public policy and leadership.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that girls are excelling in all the fields today. As the head of the state I feel extremely happy to see that girls are scaling new heights in various fields. I extend my good wishes to them for a bright and prosperous future and hope that they will carve a niche for themselves in the coming days. Girls today are fortunate as they are getting a conducive environment to excel.”
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has made concerted efforts to empower women across the state by giving them opportunities in governance and administration. Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has appointed several women officers as Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police. A number of women officers have also been appointed as ADCs. No other government had ever bothered to appoint them to these coveted posts earlier.”
He said that women officers are performing their responsibilities with dedication and competence while serving society in these high positions. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These officers are deftly and meticulously serving society while holding these posts due to which the society is immensely benefitted. Districts headed by women Deputy Commissioners have the lowest female foeticide rate, which is extremely heartening. Likewise, these officers are playing a major role in curbing other social evils prevalent in society.”
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s transparent recruitment drive, the Chief Minister said that the state has provided more than 63,000 government jobs to youth. He said, “It is a matter of pride that the majority of these jobs have gone to girls. For the first time in the history of the state, a government has given such a record number of jobs purely on the basis of merit, without any corruption or nepotism. I am confident that these girls will play an active role in the socio-economic development of the state while serving in their respective departments.”
Encouraging young girls to dream big, the Chief Minister said that history is full of examples where people from humble backgrounds achieved extraordinary success through hard work and dedication. He added, “Girls must take inspiration from such examples to prove their mettle across the globe and the Punjab Government will fully facilitate them in this noble endeavour.”
Drawing a metaphor, he said that diversity strengthens society just like different flowers beautify a bouquet. “A bouquet has a variety of flowers and that is why people are fascinated by it. Similarly, when everyone contributes to society with their talent and dedication, it strengthens the entire system,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab holds a unique place in the country’s history and identity. “Punjab is not only the food bowl of the nation but also the sword arm of the country. The people of Punjab are known across the world for their courage, resilience and spirit of enterprise. Every inch of this sacred land carries the footprints of great Gurus, saints, seers and martyrs who showed us the path to oppose tyranny, injustice and oppression. Punjab has a rich cultural legacy and is globally known for its warm hospitality,” he asserted.
Urging women to actively participate in politics, the Chief Minister said their involvement is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and bringing meaningful social change. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Girls have already outnumbered boys in many fields but politics still remains an exception. This field has long been considered the domain of men, but the time has come for women to excel here as well.”
He said that women’s participation in politics will help build a more egalitarian society and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.“Women must come forward and become active partners in the policy and decision-making process. They must also exercise their franchise carefully so that their vote helps send the right leaders to the State Assembly and Parliament,” he affirmed.
Paying tribute to women freedom fighters, the Chief Minister cited the example of Durga Bhabhi, a close associate of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Durga Bhabhi played a major role in the freedom struggle. At a time when Shaheed Bhagat Singh and his colleagues needed financial support, she even sold her ornaments for the national cause. The girls of Punjab have inspiring role models like Mai Bhago, Durga Bhabhi and many others. It is high time that they follow their footsteps and serve the nation.”
The Chief Minister also announced a historic step for women’s participation in emergency services. “Punjab will be the only state in the country to have girls in the Fire Fighting Services. Girls aspiring to join the Fire Fighting Services had met me and explained the difficulties they were facing due to certain basic conditions. Taking a sympathetic and practical view, our government relaxed these unrealistic conditions, paving the way for them to join the Fire Fighting Services,” he noted.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister saluted the determination and resilience of women who have contributed immensely to the progress of the country. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The history of any country or society is incomplete without acknowledging the role of women. Women have made unparalleled contributions not only in securing the country’s independence but also in its development and progress.”
Referring to Sikh philosophy, the Chief Minister said that it accords women a place of high respect and dignity. “The great Sikh philosophy strongly emphasises dignity, honour and equality for women. If women are given the right opportunities, they are in no way inferior to men. Along with efficiently managing their responsibilities at home, women are also playing a significant role in nation-building and guiding the country towards progress,” he asserted.
On the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also felicitated several women achievers, including girls who recently cleared the UPSC examinations. Cabinet Minister Dr Baljeet Kaur and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
